Rigell Supports Broad, Evidence-Based Legislation to Combat Opioid Abuse

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription pain medication were involved in more drug related deaths in the United States in 2014 than during any previous year on record. This week the House of Representatives passed, and Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) supported, a package of bipartisan bills to help combat this growing national problem. The legislation would provide assistance to Americans struggling with opioid abuse and addiction, improve opioid education requirements for physicians, and enact positive, evidence-based reforms that will help local law enforcement officials curb illegal drug sales. Further, the bills would review how pain medication is prescribed, and help qualified veterans become emergency medical technicians.

"About 6.5 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, mainly opioid painkillers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services," said Congressman Rigell. "Even more sobering, nearly 78 Americans die every single day from opioid overdose. We cannot ignore this problem. Congress can and should support local efforts, in partnership with the health care industry, educators, law enforcement, and others, to prevent and reduce opioid abuse and help those in recovery."

Rigell added: "I was proud to join my colleagues in pursuing bipartisan solutions to confront this serious threat head on."

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