Today Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, released the following statement on the public health emergency declaration for the opioid epidemic announced by President Trump:

“We need a comprehensive approach to take on the opioid epidemic that takes into account prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The declaration of a public health emergency by President Trump is a welcome step, one that I’ve been urging for months. The real test now will be if we see concrete action that will improve our response to the opioid crisis and save lives. The Administration should commit to working with Congress to appropriate funding so that we can get the resources necessary to those on the frontlines of this epidemic. I was encouraged President Trump cited the innovative work being done in New Hampshire through the ‘Safe Stations’ program. This is a good example of why we need additional funding so we can expand these types of programs to other communities in need. Importantly, President Trump should support bipartisan reforms to the Affordable Care Act that will rein in costs and help increase access to health coverage, which is critical to getting people treatment, recovery and addressing the underlying causes of substance misuse.”

Just last week, the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force wrote to President Trump about the need for funding in any emergency declaration. Since August, Kuster has been urging the President to declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency.

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