Senators welcome state grants to combat opioid crisis

U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday to help states fight the nationwide opioid epidemic.

HHS was authorized under the 21st Century Cures Act to administer two waves of Targeted Response Opioid Crisis Grants through HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The first round of grants announced by HHS Secretary Tom Price totals $485 million and will support efforts to prevent and respond to opioid abuse in all 50 states. West Virginia will receive $5.8 million, North Dakota will receive $2 million and Ohio will receive $26 million.

“I applaud the president and Secretary Price for providing the resources I advocated for in the 21st Century Cures Act toward combating the opioid epidemic,” Capito said. “This is an important step, but one of many we must take. The priorities the secretary outlined are welcomed and needed. I agree with him that every effort and available resource should be at our disposal to fight this scourge that is harming so many West Virginians.”

Hoeven, meanwhile, worked to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) last year, and he plans to reintroduce the Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, which would close a loophole that enables synthetic drugs to be legally sold when labeled “not for human consumption.”

“Opioid addiction brings significant pain and challenges for families across our state and nation,” Hoeven said. “(Thursday’s) funding is one piece in our broader work to treat and prevent addiction. This includes blocking the sale of dangerous synthetic drugs and supporting state and local efforts to improve access to vital services.”

Portman was an advocate of opioid funding in the 21st Century Cures Act to help states improve prescription drug monitoring programs, enhance access to treatment, and improve training for health care workers.

“This is good news for Ohio, and will help our efforts to combat the heroin and prescription drug epidemic gripping our state,” Portman said, adding that his recent visits to treatment and recovery facilities in Eaton and Massillon highlighted the need for additional resources to combat the epidemic.

“I was proud to work on the Cures legislation and urge that opioid funding be included in the bill, and this legislation is now starting to benefit our state,” Portman said.