Congressman Kim (D-NJ) and Congressman Foster (D-IL)
Call on HHS to Prioritize Opioid and Addiction Treatment

WASHINGTON, DC – With communities across the country struggling with the ongoing opioid and addiction epidemic, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) passed an amendment through the House that directs the Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize funding for medication assisted treatment.

“Our families need direct and immediate assistance to overcome the massive opioid addiction crisis facing our communities,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to stand with Congressman Foster to urge the Department to prioritize the massive resources of the federal government towards common-sense solutions that can save lives.”

“As our nation grapples with an opioid epidemic that is affecting people from all walks of life, we need to make sure we are providing financial support for programs that allow us to fight back,” said Congressman Foster. “Medication-assisted treatments are an effective tool that help people overcome drug addiction and can help save lives. I’m proud to work with Congressman Kim to call on HHS to prioritize funding for medication-assisted treatment.”

Both Congressmen Kim and Foster are members of the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioids Task Force.

Last month, Congressman Kim held an opioid and addiction town hall in Toms River. Local resources for those looking for help with these issues can be found on his website by clicking here.

The amendment is part of a bill appropriating funds for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The bill provides $3.8 billion, an increase of $24 million, for continued funding for opioid prevention and treatment programs. Research and studies have found that medication-assisted treatment can cut the mortality rate among addiction patients by half or more, while patients who received only psychological support for opioid dependence were at greater risk of fatal opioid poisoning.

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