Washington, D.C. — Last week, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) was recognized with the Charlie Devlin Award for Excellence by Treatment Communities for America (TCA) for her work to address the addiction and mental health epidemic. TCA is a national consortium of more than 600 substance use disorder treatment provider agencies that provide integrated addiction and mental health care to individuals in need of treatment and recovery services.

“The addiction and mental health crisis has touched every community across the country—fortunately, organizations like Treatment Communities for America (TCA) are working tirelessly to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery resources so that every family and community can thrive,” said Kuster. “I was honored to be recognized by TCA for my work to address this crisis through my Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

“Congresswoman Kuster has been a fighter for those seeking treatment for addiction and for individuals in recovery, embodying the tenacious spirit that Charlie Devlin brought to advocacy,” said TCA President Seep Varma. “TCA is proud to recognize her for this important work.”

An early pioneer in the recovery movement, Charlie Devlin served as President of Treatment Communities for America and worked closely with the organization until his death in 2017. The Charlie Devlin Award for Excellence was established to honor Devlin’s legacy and is awarded annually to a Member of Congress to recognize their contributions to the substance use disorder treatment field.

As the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, Kuster has made addressing the addiction and mental health crisis a central focus of her work in Congress. Her legislative priorities include stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into communities, holding illegal distributors accountable, addressing the underlying demand for illicit drugs, and helping individuals access the treatment and recovery care they need.

###