Dear Friends,

I wanted to reach out and give you an update on my work to address an issue that we are far too familiar with in New Hampshire. Substance use disorder has devastated communities throughout our state; hurting families and challenging our support networks. This crisis does not discriminate between political parties, which is why I founded the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force to bring people together to address this difficult issue. We've made significant progress over the past two years, but there is much more work to be done. 

This week, I was honored to receive the Congressional Leadership Award from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) for my work to advance policies to support those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. I accepted this award on behalf of the amazing advocates, medical professionals, mental health practitioners, families, and others who are working so hard to save lives in the Granite State. 

Receiving the Congressional Leadership Award from General Arthur Dean, Chairman & CEO of CADCA, and Former Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA)

Participating in a discussion with congressional colleagues at CADCA's Leadership Forum. From Left: Former Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA), Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Congressman Evan Jenkins (R-WV). 

We're just a few weeks into the new Congress, but we're already getting down to business. Earlier this week, the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force hosted our first roundtable of the year to discuss synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. Synthetics are posing a unique challenge and we need to strengthen our understanding of this issue to develop policies to deliver the treatment and assistance we need in our communities.  

You can watch the full panel discussion here.

Discussing synthetic opioids with Congressional colleagues from both sides of the aisle at the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force's first roundtable of the 115th Congress.

I am committed to continuing to educate my colleagues about the scope of this issue so we can build on our progress and combat this epidemic. While we certainly don’t agree on everything in Congress, it’s clear that there is broad support to help those struggling with substance misuse disorders by expanding access to treatment and recovery and getting those on the frontlines of this crisis the resources they need. 

Sincerely,