Recognizing the One-Year Anniversary of the Support Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one-year anniversary of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act being signed into law. The SUPPORT Act was the most comprehensive law ever enacted by Congress to take on a drug crisis--a bold response to an opioid epidemic that has affected every corner of our country.

The SUPPORT Act took big strides in addressing the crisis by expanding access to treatment and recovery services, providing communities with the tools and resources they need to be successful on the front lines, ensuring we have effective systems in place to keep these powerful drugs from getting into the wrong hands, and more.

I was proud to have my legislation, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act, included in the final package. My bill requires a comprehensive look at government practices--including reimbursement, coverage, and data collection--and allows us to find alternate methods of treating pain through innovation by making Medicare and Medicaid more flexible, adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction.

The SUPPORT Act recognized that while this crisis has reached every zip code, a one-size-fits-all approach won't remedy the issue effectively, and that's where the role of community comes into play. I believe community is at the heart of many issues facing our nation right now and is a key component for those struggling with opioid addiction.

Having a support network and a sense of belonging is important to all of us, so it is imperative that on a community level we guide those who are fighting addiction, whether that be a family member, neighbor, or a compassionate stranger. The SUPPORT Act helps communities do just that, by propping up community organizations with technical or financial assistance, establishing peer support networks, and distributing best practices for those on the front lines within the community, like health professionals or law enforcement.

As a society, we must do better to ensure those who are struggling know that they are not alone, and that they have a team of support around them. The stigma surrounding substance use disorders is real and detrimental to those who need help or are trying to rebuild their lives. The language we use to talk about them is incredibly important to breaking the stigma. We wouldn't define a person with cancer or Parkinson's by their disease and addiction is no different.

The SUPPORT Act was a giant leap in the right direction, and while we are already seeing real results, we must continue to work together, from Congress down to the community leaders, to help those who are struggling and end this devastating crisis for good.

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