Evan Jenkins
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV) applauded funding to fight the opioid epidemic included in the 21st Century Cures Act signed into law this week by President Barack Obama.
The $6.3 billion medical innovation and health care reform package pledges $1 billion over the next two years to help states fight the nation’s addiction crisis.
“With one Ohioan dying of an overdose of heroin or prescription drugs every three hours, our state is in a crisis,” Portman said.
Portman led the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA), which the president signed into law in July, authorizing $181 million in new funding to fight the opioid epidemic. That funding will be bolstered by the $1 billion in funding in the 21st Century Cures Act to tackle the national drug emergency.
Additionally, Portman said the 21st Century Cures Act includes additional provisions he advocated to strengthen Medicare to help cancer patients, seniors on Medicare Advantage and seniors with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Jenkins said there is not a family in West Virginia that has not been touched by the drug crisis sweeping the nation.
“Our communities and first responders have made tremendous strides in addressing treatment needs, stopping drug trafficking and preventing overdose deaths, but we need more resources,” Jenkins said.
“This bill does just that, providing $1 billion over the next two years that can be sent to states with the highest instances of drug abuse, like West Virginia, to spend on prevention, treatment, care for those seeking recovery and more training for healthcare providers. This is a much-needed step to help West Virginians live healthy, drug-free lives, and to stop the spread of opioids and illegal drugs throughout our communities,” Jenkins added.