Portman continues efforts to tackle America’s opioid crisis

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) on Oct. 21 applauded the U.S. Department of Justice for reaching an $8 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma L.P. over the privately held pharmaceutical company’s role in the nation’s ongoing opioid and prescription drug crisis. 

“More than a million Americans have died from opioid overdoses since 1998, and Purdue Pharma bears a great deal of the responsibility,” Sen. Portman said. “I am glad the company is being held accountable for its role in creating the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged communities in Ohio and across the nation for decades.”

The senator pointed out that real progress has been made recently “in fighting the scourge of opioid and drug addiction,” particularly because of resources provided in his bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) law and in the 21st Century CURES Act, among other bipartisan efforts in Congress. 

“However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and we are now seeing a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths,” said Sen. Portman. “That is why we must redouble our efforts to combat addiction.”

Sen. Portman and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in June introduced the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act, S. 4103, which would support the expansion of telehealth services for substance use disorder treatment. 

If enacted, Sen. Portman’s bill would make permanent several temporary waivers for telehealth services and bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services, among other provisions. 

“My bill to make access to telehealth services permanent for those struggling with addiction will help,” Sen. Portman said. “It’s time to pass it.”