Provided by the Office of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick:
Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick speaking to a group of students. File photo.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) this week issued a survey to gauge constituent opinion on the federal government’s role in tackling America’s Opioid Epidemic.
“Heroin and prescription opioid abuse are having devastating effects in communities across our county. Last year, Bucks County reported 117 fatal overdoses, half of which involved heroin,” said Fitzpatrick.
The survey, accessible at www.fitzpatrick.house.gov/DrugAbuseSurvey, asks constituents among other things, whether they believe federal funding for research into treatment should be increased, or if the federal government should expand access and use of naloxone, an antidote to reverse opioid overdose.
The House recently passed, and the President signed, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, bipartisan legislation developed over the last two years to provide the necessary tools to law enforcement officials, caregivers, and others.
This bill acknowledges that drug abuse is a disease, and cannot be solved by arrests alone. CARA does support law enforcement’s mission to combat America’s opioid epidemic, while combining the best practices for prevention, treatment, and recovery. It focuses on young children, veterans, and caregivers—particular groups affected by opioid abuse.
For additional information visit www.fitzpatrick.house.gov.
