Today, Representatives Bill Foster (IL-11), Donna Edwards (MD-4), Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), and Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) reintroduced two pieces of legislation to combat heroin abuse, the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act.
"Heroin addiction is devastating our communities. We cannot let the number of lives lost continue to grow, it's time to take action to reverse this epidemic," said Foster. "Countless community groups, municipalities and law enforcement officials are working to combat heroin abuse at the local level, but we must do more to support them. That's why I'm reintroducing this legislation to increase prevention efforts and expand resources for those in recovery."
"The rising number of opioid addictions and overdoses in Connecticut and across the Northeast is devastating our families and our communities," said Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5). "Many families do not know where to turn, and effective inpatient treatment is often out of reach. Part of the comprehensive solution to addressing opioid abuse needs to be expanding access to treatment. This bill takes an important step forward in improving access to the treatment individuals suffering from addiction need to begin their path to recovery."