Press Releases
Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Calls for Funding of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act
Washington,
March 29, 2017
(Washington, DC) –Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Congressman Tom MacArthur (NJ-03), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, joined by members of the Task force, wrote to relevant House Appropriations Subcommittees to call for funding in Fiscal Year 2018 for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). CARA focuses on addressing the opioid addiction epidemic through support for law enforcement, prevention, expansion of evidence-based treatment, and recovery services. However, CARA must be fully funded to effectively support those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. “As you know, the opioid epidemic is having a devastating impact on public health and safety across the United States,” wrote the Task Force co-chairs. “According to the CDC, drug overdoses now surpass automobile accidents as the leading cause of injury-related death for Americans aged 25 to 64. More than 144 Americans die as a result of overdose every day. While addiction is a treatable disease, only about ten percent of those who need treatment get it.” The letter specifically outlines the following funding requests:
The full text of the letter is available below and here. March 29, 2017
Hon. John Culberson, Chairman Hon. José Serrano, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and Related Agencies House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations H-305, The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington DC 20515
Hon. Tom Cole, Chairman Hon. Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies and Related Agencies House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations H-305, The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington DC 20515
Hon. Tom Graves, Chairman Hon. Mike Quigley, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government and General Government House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations H-305, The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington DC 20515
Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members:
As you know, the opioid epidemic is having a devastating impact on public health and safety across the United States. According to the CDC, drug overdoses now surpass automobile accidents as the leading cause of injury-related death for Americans aged 25 to 64. More than 144 Americans die as a result of overdose every day. While addiction is a treatable disease, only about ten percent of those who need treatment get it. That is why we are writing to express our strong support for funding in FY18 for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), authorized in three subcommittees:
We know from researchers, the law enforcement community, and treatment providers that the most effective way to address the challenges posed by addiction is to initiate a comprehensive response to the twin epidemics of opioid and heroin addiction. Designed to respond both to today’s heroin and opiate epidemic and tomorrow’s threats, this bill is a comprehensive response to substance use disorders that includes prevention, law enforcement strategies, addressing overdoses, expansion of evidence-based treatment, and support for those in, or seeking, recovery. Among other provisions, CARA would expand:
As you begin consideration of the FY2018 appropriations bill, we hope that you will recognize the significance of the epidemic in our midst and support the comprehensive framework of CARA. Doing so would provide the resources and incentives necessary for states and local governments to expand treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts for the millions of Americans who are affected by addiction. Only through a comprehensive approach that leverages evidence-based law enforcement and health care services, including treatment – like that clearly articulated by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act – can we stop and reverse current trends. Thank you for your consideration of this important funding request. Sincerely,
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