Today, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte released a statement regarding the announcement that President Obama has declared September 18 - 24, 2016 as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.
"I welcome this announcement from the administration, which also coincides with National Recovery Month. This designation is important for New Hampshire as we continue to battle this opioid abuse crisis. Education and awareness are key components of the comprehensive approach that I have been fighting for at every turn. By bringing increasing awareness about the individuals who are struggling with a substance use disorder, we can continue to remove the stigma surrounding addiction and help connect these individuals with crucial treatment and recovery services available in their communities."
In 2014, Ayotte successfully introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 2014 as "National Prescription Opioid and Heroin Abuse Awareness Month" and the week of October 27 through November 2, 2014 as "National Drug Take-Back Week."
On Friday, Ayotte welcomed the announcement from the Department of Justice regarding a new plan of action to address the heroin and prescription opioid abuse crisis. Ayotte has been a leader in the Senate in the fight against this crisis, and helped co-author and introduce the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which became law in July.
In addition, Ayotte has asked appropriators for, and voted in support of, increases in funding through the regular appropriations process for the evidence-based initiatives called for under CARA. She also supported emergency and supplemental funding for opioid programs, and sent a letter at the beginning of September to appropriators urging them to fully fund CARA in the continuing resolution and reiterating her support for additional emergency funding. Ayotte also supports a measure from Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) that would add $600 million additional emergency funding on top of the normal appropriations process.