Hooksett, NH – This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) gave remarks at a drug addiction forum held at Southern New Hampshire University. The event was hosted by the Addiction Policy Forum to bring together lawmakers, state officials, and other stakeholders to address the urgent need to fight the opioid epidemic sweeping across New Hampshire and other New England states.

“All across New Hampshire, we’re experiencing the effects of a “perfect storm” of increased access to cheap heroin, high opioid prescription rates, and a dramatic reduction in available drug treatment beds. This storm does not discriminate; families from every demographic and socio-economic status are being affected by this deadly epidemic. That’s why I’m urging family members to tell their stories and educate elected officials as advocates for prevention, treatment, and recovery at the state and federal level,” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “Tomorrow, I’ll be hosting a Special Order hour on the House floor entitled ‘Putting a Face on Heroin,’ where I’ll share the story of New Hampshire’s own Kriss Blevens, who tragically lost her step-daughter Amber to a heroin overdose. It is because of stories like these that we must come together as a community to address this crisis, and I thank all of the participants at today’s forum for their valuable insight.”

Today’s forum was hosted by the Addiction Policy Forum at Southern New Hampshire University, and featured speakers including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Kelly Ayotte, Congressman Frank Guinta, and Attorney General Joseph Foster, among others.

In Congress, Kuster has prioritized efforts to address the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire and across the country. She cofounded a Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, and she recently helped introduced new legislation to prevent and address opioid addiction. Tomorrow evening, she will be bringing together members of both parties to hold a Special Order on the opioid epidemic where Members will share the real stories of individuals affected by the crisis in order to highlight the crucial importance of addressing opioid addiction now. Information about viewing the Special Order will be available on the Congresswoman’s facebook page.

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