Lebanon, NH – Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) brought together stakeholders from across the Upper Valley to discuss their joint efforts to combat the opioid epidemic around the region. This was the latest in a series of regional briefings that Congresswoman Kuster is holding on this topic around the state as the co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, which she helped found last year.

“The opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on communities across the state, but each region has felt the impact of these dangerous drugs differently,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Today was an invaluable opportunity for me to hear from some of the Upper Valley’s leading experts and stakeholders about how the epidemic has affected the region and how we can best work together to establish comprehensive, lasting solutions that will stem the ongoing crisis. As I continue to host these regional briefings across the state, I look forward to bringing conversations like today’s with me back to Congress, where I will keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect Granite State communities from continued opioid misuse and addiction.”

Congresswoman Kuster was joined for this discussion by Lebanon Police Chief Richard Mello, Lebanon Fire Chief Chris Christopoulos, Lebanon City Manager Dennis Luttrell, and representatives from the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce, West Central Behavioral Health, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Addiction Treatment Program, among others. Together, the briefing participants discussed the impact of heroin misuse on the Lebanon community, as well as the specific steps they are taking to combat the growing opioid epidemic throughout the region. Kuster discussed her work in Congress to combat the epidemic, including her work on the Task Force and the recent Special Order she held on the House floor to put a face on addiction.

Kuster has prioritized efforts to address the opioid crisis across the state by convening events on substance use disorders and prioritizing the issue at the federal level through her work in Congress. Last year, Kuster helped introduce bipartisan legislation that addresses several aspects of combatting the growing heroin epidemic across the country, including the establishment of the Interagency Task Force on Heroin Addiction, the reauthorization of vital drug crisis grants, and the revision of treatment administration guidelines for individuals who are unable to receive take-home treatment, among other provisions.

Kuster is also the co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, which frequently brings together experts from across numerous federal agencies to coordinate efforts to combat the epidemic. Earlier this month, she hosted a Special Order in the House to urge her colleagues in Congress to take action; during the Special Order, she and 10 of her colleagues shared the stories of Americans who have been affected by the crisis on the House Floor. Kuster has also spoken at forums and attended briefings and ride-alongs with law enforcement officials in Nashua and Franklin, providing her with a direct look at the challenges facing law enforcement and local communities. Kuster has taken these conversations with her back to Washington, where she continues to lead efforts to bring an end to opioid abuse in New Hampshire.

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