Houlahan Pushes Forward In Fight Against Opioid Epidemic

WASHINGTON – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) helped pass two crucial pieces of legislation this week – H.R. 7990, the FENTANYL Results Act and H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2020 – which will work towards her goal of ending the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and across the country. Unfortunately, the opioid crisis has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many states reporting increases in overdoses and opioid-related deaths.

“As our community faces a historic and unprecedented public health and economic crisis, we must remember that we are still in the midst of battling an opioid epidemic that has touched far too many lives and families in our community,” said Houlahan. “These bipartisan bills mark an important step towards addressing this crisis and meeting the needs of affected Pennsylvanians. I will continue to work in Congress and with our health care experts to support those who are suffering from substance abuse. We must collectively work to end this epidemic.”

“At a time when COVID-19 has caused so many things to be paused, it is critical that we keep sight on ending the opioid epidemic,” said Bonnie Triebig, MS, Clinical Director, Berks Counseling Center. “Legislation, such as H.R. 7990 and H.R. 2466, is an important step in accomplishing that goal. Those of us on the front lines of the opioid epidemic know that we must continue to fight, even as COVID-19 pulls focus and adds an added layer of barriers to accessing care and maintaining the safety of our clients and staff. We continue to be grateful to US Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her efforts and dedication to this important issue.”

In May of 2019, Representative Houlahan and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro met with health care providers and community leaders on the front lines of the opioid epidemic in Reading, PA where she announced her support for H.R. 2466.

“The opioid, heroin, and fentanyl epidemic claims the lives of twelve Pennsylvanians every day –and our communities are struggling to address this important health crisis,” said Shapiro. “These bills provide important resources in Pennsylvania and across the country to address the opioid epidemic by helping shut down the sources of these drugs and making it possible for individuals struggling with addiction to get the help that they need. I’m thankful for the work of Representative Houlahan and the bipartisan coalition in the House for getting critical legislation passed.”

About the legislation:

The FENTANYL Results Act helps to combat the international trafficking of fentanyl, similar synthetic drugs, and new psychoactive substances, including by increasing collaboration with the international community via shared anti-trafficking initiatives and capacity building measures.

The State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2020 authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response Grants program to align with the grant authority provided through the 21st Century Cures Act.  The grant program is authorized through FY 2026.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She’s in her first term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

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