Congresswoman Matsui Calls for Comprehensive Approach to Substance Abuse Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Lauren Dart Congresswoman Matsui Calls for Comprehensive Approach to Substance Abuse Crisis Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) issued the following statement on Congressional and Administrative action on the opioid and heroin epidemic: "Our communities are facing the consequences of the opioid and heroin epidemic every day, and it is past time for Congress to devote the meaningful resources needed to save lives. "The devastating impacts of the substance abuse crisis has hit home with an alarming rise in overdoses of Fentanyl in Sacramento. From California to New England, this epidemic is affecting every corner of our country, and we must act. "Congress' consideration of bipartisan bills to address the opioid epidemic this week is an important step forward. But, I am concerned that we are not allocating the new funding necessary to effectively confront this tragedy. "Democrats put forth an opioid package that includes many pieces of the bipartisan legislation we passed out of the Energy andamp; Commerce Committee, while also putting vital new resources towards this epidemic. "Our proposal works towards funding the Administration's $1.1 billion request to address the opioid epidemic. I am pleased with the President's response last night to this crisis. The Administration's proposal lays out an inclusive path forward to expand access to the treatment and services our communities so desperately need. "If we are to truly tackle this epidemic, we must work to strengthen our behavioral health systems by putting resources towards both preventive care and treatment. "As we advance substance abuse legislation and continue our important conversation on comprehensive behavioral health reform, I remain focused on solutions that both address the immediate crisis and emphasize long-term community prevention strategies. "The families reeling from the tragedies of this epidemic deserve our swift action and full support." ### |