Meuser Bill To Enhance And Expand Family Support Services For Addiction Passes The House

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressmen Dan Meuser (R-PA) and David Trone (D-MD) applauded the House passage of their bipartisan bill, H.R. 433, the Family Support Services for Addiction Act. The legislation would create a $25 million grant program over five years to help national and local nonprofit organizations provide services for families impacted by addiction.

"The plight of addiction continues to affect communities across the country and in Pennsylvania, especially during the pandemic" said Congressman Meuser. "The Family Support Services for Addiction Act would provide grants to community organizations that offer critical support to families navigating complex insurance coverage and treatment options, better allowing them to assist their loved one on the road to recovery. I want to thank Congressman Trone for his exceptional work on this legislation and look forward to the day when it is signed into law."

"In 2016, my nephew Ian lost his life to an overdose after years of struggling with addiction, but he didn't fight this battle alone. My wife and I were with him every step of the way, but getting him the help he needed was hard for us to do, even with the resources we had at our disposal," said Congressman David Trone. "Our story is not unique. For most families, it's nearly impossible to navigate our behavioral health care system, and COVID-19 has made it even harder. I want to thank Congressman Dan Meuser, who has been a phenomenal partner to get this bill passed across the House floor for a second time."

About H.R. 5572, the Family Support Services for Addiction Act

Organizations around the country help millions of family members affected by substance use disorder every day. These groups offer services to families that are often not provided by treatment facilities nor covered by insurance. However, most of these organizations receive little to no government support. The Family Support Services for Addiction Act will help close that gap. Administered through the Department of Health and Human Services, the Family Support Services for Addiction Act would provide national and local community programs that offer family support services $25 million in grants over five years. Family support services include caregiver peer support, education and training, systems navigation for families trying to access treatment and other resources, counseling services, support groups for those in crisis and for those who have lost loved ones, and skill-building.

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