U.S. Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) outlined House efforts to curb the nation’s opioid abuse epidemic on Friday during the weekly Republican address.
Dold recounted the story of a college sophomore named Alex Laliberte who secretly suffered a cycle of addiction and withdrawal before his overdose death in 2008, just days before final exams.
“This type of abuse spans every demographic, financial situation and community,” Dold said. “It can literally happen to anyone. That’s why the opioid epidemic demands a national response. We can’t let politics get in the way of giving people a second chance at recovery.”
In honor of Laliberte, Dold introduced Lali’s Law, a bill that would increase access to the overdose antidote naloxone.
“We’re doing all that we can to prevent overdoses and reduce addiction,” Dold said. “I’ve worked with the Laliberte family, and many other groups, from doctors to community leaders, to not only raise awareness but to create actionable solutions.”
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced last week that the House would act on legislation next month to help curb the nation’s drug epidemic.
“So, there is common ground for action,” Dold said. “By working together, we can not only save young people like Alex Laliberte from falling victim to drug abuse, but also help those in our communities struggling to get their lives back on track.”