Raja Commends Additional Funding To Fight Opioid Abuse

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to fund the departments of Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education for fiscal year 2019. As part of the appropriations package, efforts to address substance use disorder, including opioid and heroin abuse, will receive $6.7 billion split between the federal and state governments.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has made addressing the opioid crisis a top priority. In Illinois, the Congressman has hosted roundtables with experts from school systems, hospitals, treatment centers, and advocacy organizations to discuss strategies for prevention and treatment. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Healthcare, Benefits, and Administrative Rules, he led a successful hearing that focused specifically on local strategies to solving the opioid crisis. Among those who testified was Karen Ayala, the Executive Director of DuPage Health Department and HOPE Taskforce located in DuPage County in the 8th Congressional District.

“One of my top priorities this Congress has been turning the tide against the opioid crisis that has continued to ravage our communities,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “Today’s funding is critical to combatting this crisis that has lingered for far too long across the country. We must make strategic decisions to support programs that we know are working and making a positive impact on our communities. As we continue to see our neighbors and family members negatively affected by mental health issues and substance abuse, it is important that we support efforts on the state level as well.”