Rep. Katko Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Local Organizations Treating Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic

Following a spike in overdose deaths in Central New York amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24) this week introduced bipartisan legislation to create emergency grants for counties and Central New York community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use disorders. Rep. Katko joined U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D, NH-2) in introducing this bipartisan measure.

In Central New York, with new measures in place that keep people at home in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, isolation has contributed to elevated rates of substance use and a recent spike in overdose deaths. To meet the increased need for substance use treatment services, local community organizations and nonprofits have been forced to hire additional staff and develop creative methods, such as teleconferencing, to continue to reach and treat those suffering from substance use disorders. To provide these organizations with additional support as they work to meet the needs of the Central New York community, Rep. Katko's bipartisan legislation directs emergency assistance to local community organizations and nonprofits, ensuring they are able to continue their important outreach, education, and treatment efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In Central New York, our region has long suffered from the impact of the opioid epidemic. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has added additional challenges, as local substance use disorder treatment providers and nonprofits grapple with an increase in number of individuals misusing substances as well as implementing safety precautions that make treatment and outreach more difficult during this pandemic," said Rep. Katko. "With a recent spike in overdose deaths in Central New York, it is clear we need to act swiftly to provide assistance to those struggling with addiction during this pandemic. For this reason, I am proud to join Representative Kuster in introducing bipartisan legislation that will create emergency grants for counties and community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use disorders. By providing emergency support, we will ensure counties and local organizations have the ability to continue conducting outreach and providing assistance to those struggling with substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic."

In Congress, Rep. Katko has been a leader in working to end the opioid and synthetic drug epidemic plaguing Central New York, introducing legislation that was signed into law to strengthen enforcement against international drug kingpins, introducing legislation that will help law enforcement schedule harmful synthetic substances more quickly, and recently supporting a funding measure that included $1.5 billion for substance abuse and addiction programs.

"We are in full support of this important -- and lifesaving -- legislation to create emergency grants to community-based organizations," said Monika Taylor, Director of Chemical Dependency for Crouse Health. "This is an issue that is growing worse by the day and we are grateful to Representatives Katko and Kuster for their work and advocacy on this issue."

"We are extremely grateful to Representatives Katko and Kuster for recognizing the challenging work that counties and community based organizations are engaged in each and every day as they struggle to provide ongoing addiction services in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic," said James M. Haitz, Director of Community Mental Health Services for the Wayne County Department of Mental Health and Wayne Behavioral Health Network. "While opioid overdoses in our area increasing, in some cases rates have doubled, providing this emergency support will allow community providers the ability to make sure they have the critical resources in place that they need in order to keep their life-saving services in place as we fight the ravages of addiction and help those in recovery maintain good health and safety during this unprecedented time of need."

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