Bowling Green Today

In a recent address on the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman Brett Guthrie expressed his strong support for the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act. The bill, also known as H.R. 4531, aims to address the growing issue of drug overdoses and substance abuse in the United States.

Guthrie began by highlighting the devastating impact of drug overdoses, stating, "Over the past two years, we have lost over 200,000 Americans to drug overdoses and poisonings." He emphasized that these numbers represent a step in the wrong direction, as the country had actually seen a decrease in drug overdoses between 2018 and 2019.

The Congressman acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had further exacerbated the overdose crisis, isolating individuals and limiting their access to support systems. However, Guthrie pointed out that the policies and programs implemented in 2018 had shown promise in reducing overdose rates prior to the pandemic.

Guthrie also drew attention to the specific challenges faced by his home state of Kentucky, where over 70% of all drug overdoses in recent years were caused by fentanyl or related substances. He shared his experience of convening a field hearing in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he heard firsthand accounts from law enforcement and treatment providers about the harsh realities of the crisis.

The Congressman highlighted the importance of reauthorizing key programs such as state-level prescription drug monitoring programs and residential treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. He also stressed the need to address the emerging threat of Xylazine, an illicit substance that does not respond to FDA-approved opioid reversal medications.

Guthrie stated that H.R. 4531 would provide greater access for treatment providers to use federal funds to purchase over-the-counter opioid overdose reversal medications. He noted that these medications have proven effective in reducing opioid overdose rates in communities across the country.

The bill also aims to improve access to care for individuals relying on the Medicaid program. It permanently requires Medicaid programs to provide life-saving medication-assisted treatment and allows states to waive outdated policies that hinder comprehensive wrap-around and substance use disorder care. Additionally, the legislation ensures that foster care youth do not lose their Medicaid services if they are receiving necessary behavioral care at qualified-residential treatment programs.

In conclusion, Guthrie emphasized that the SUPPORT Act promotes access to long-term recovery and support services, including workforce training for individuals in recovery. With bipartisan support, the bill has successfully passed the House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in addressing the nation's drug overdose crisis.

Overall, Congressman Guthrie's speech highlighted the urgent need to combat the rising rates of drug overdoses and substance abuse in the United States. His bill, the SUPPORT Act, addresses this critical issue by reauthorizing important programs, expanding access to treatment, and providing support for individuals on the path to recovery.

To learn more, click on this link: https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388141