For nearly three years, recovery advocates across the nation have been working diligently on CARA, educating our policymakers about addiction as a public health crisis and that long term recovery is a reality for millions of Americans. We are very pleased that CARA is headed to the Senate and then onto the President’s desk to be signed into law, and we are incredibly grateful to our Members of Congress who have so passionately expressed their support. The recovery advocacy movement has played a major role in making this happen!
This historic bipartisan legislation includes a package of policies and grant programs across prevention, law enforcement, treatment and recovery support. Policies will address prescriber education and will increase the patient limit for access to medication assisted treatment. It will expand prescription drug take back programs, first responder training and will establish education, training and awareness campaigns. There will be a report on recovery and the collateral consequences of addiction. Grant programs will provide more resources for veteran treatment courts, treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, and recovery support services through recovery community organizations. The bill also establish demonstration grants for states to provide a comprehensive response to opioid abuse.
While we are pleased the Bill has passed, we are very aware of the need for greater funding for recovery community organizations across the nation to help individuals and families before, during and after treatment for opioid addiction. The bill only provides $5 million over 5 years to expand recovery support services – which we know is a critical piece to any comprehensive plan. We will continue to Make Recovery Voices Count in Congress to increase funding levels for recovery support services provided by recovery community organizations, recovery high schools and in collegiate recovery programs.
Join us in showing our appreciation to Congress for passing the most expansive piece of legislation the addiction field has seen in a very long time!
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HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY PASSES OPIOID BILL
– THE HILL, JULY 8, 2016
The House on Friday almost unanimously approved legislation to combat opioid overdoses. The 407-5 vote all but assures that the legislation will sail through the Senate and head to President Obama’s desk next week.
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