Representatives Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Marcia Fudge (OH-11) applaud the Akron City Council for expressing their support for The Breaking Addiction Act of 2014 (HR 5136), which was introduced by Rep. Fudge and co-sponsored by Rep. Ryan, Democratic Co-Chair of the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus. Both Members of Congress represent Akron in the US House of Representatives.
"We understand the damage substance abuse inflicts upon Akron, the State of Ohio and our nation. Ohio is currently experiencing a heroin epidemic -- since 2007, fatal drug overdoses have been the leading cause of accidental death in our state. It is imperative that we begin to stem this tide. We are proud to stand with the City of Akron to do everything in our power to provide the services and assistance that are so vital to our community," said Reps. Ryan and Fudge.
"Here in Akron, we continue to work toward stopping this epidemic. Currently, there is no sign of slowing down. According to our EMS statistics, the use of Narcan has increased from 230 in 2013 to 243 in 2014. We appreciate and fully support Akron's Congressional representatives Marcia Fudge and Tim Ryan in their efforts to expand cost-effective, community based treatment options in our efforts to address the heroine/opiate epidemic," said Akron City Councilman at Large Jeff Fusco.