DeLauro Holds Forum on Expanding Access to Opioid Treatment

MIDDLETOWN, CT (April 11, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today met with community leaders, health specialists, and families affected by substance abuse to discuss a new bill that she is introducing in Congress, the Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act. During the forum, DeLauro moderated a discussion on treatment options currently available, the gaps that families are facing, and the need for expanded access to treatment.

"A common theme I have heard at these forums and meetings is the need for increased access to treatment for opioid abusers and addicts – and the underlying issue of the affordability of treatment programs as a barrier to access." said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. "Across the country, families and communities are suffering the heartbreaking effects of addiction and the federal government has an important role to play in supporting state and local communities. The Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act is an important step in ending this epidemic and I urge my colleagues to enact this bill and help us save lives."

"Congresswoman DeLauro has been a strong physician ally on a number of public health issues, including breast cancer screening and awareness, melanoma, and e-cigarette use among youth. We are pleased to join her in addressing the epidemic of opioid abuse in our state," said Connecticut State Medical Society President Henry Jacobs, MD, JD. "We must address the disease of addiction itself, not just its symptoms. Our work will not be complete unless there are adequate resources to treat those we have identified. Congresswoman DeLauro's bill is an important step in providing those resources."

"We are extremely grateful for Congresswoman DeLauro's leadership in proposing the funding necessary to attack the epidemic of opioid abuse head on," said Mark Masselli, President and CEO of Community Health Center. "The dramatic increase in deaths nationally and here in Connecticut demands this swift and decisive action."

Of the over 47,000 drug overdose deaths in 2014, heroin was a factor in 10,574 deaths, and opioids were involved in 20,808. Connecticut loses hundreds of citizens every year to overdoses, with 582 deaths in 2013, and 623 deaths in 2014. According to the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut, last year, the heroin overdose death rate was three times high than it was in 2012.

DeLauro's new bill would provide $1 billion a year to support community clinics and expand access to treatment for individuals with a history of substance abuse. Examples of eligible uses include supporting innovative delivery of medication assisted treatment, expanding substance abuse treatment to rural communities through the use of telemedicine, and treatment for substance abuse patients as they reenter the community from the criminal justice system. The bill has been endorsed by the Connecticut State Medical Society, Harm Reduction Coalition, and the American Psychological Association.

This year, DeLauro also introduced the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Act, which would provide $5 billion to the emergency fund, which the Department of Health and Human Services could use to combat the opioid epidemic. Recently, DeLauro held a budget hearing with Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the CDC, and urged Members of Congress to support the President's request for a $1.1 billion authorization to address opioid abuse and treatment.

As the Senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Health and Human Services, DeLauro continues to fight for additional funding for critical health initiatives, including combatting opioid abuse and overdoses. Last year, she helped secure a $38.2 million increase to the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program, and a $50 million increase for the Prevention Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention Program.

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