Medical, Addiction, and First Responder Groups
Endorse Congressman Kim’s OPEN Agenda to Combat Opioid Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced the endorsements by medical, addiction, and first responder groups of his Opioid Prevention and Education Now (OPEN) Agenda, three bills aimed at increasing awareness of opioid and addiction solutions and transparency of the opioid approval process.

“Raising awareness and finding solutions for our country’s opioid and addiction crisis requires bold action,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to stand side by side with these great organizations on the front lines of this fight and look forward to working with my colleagues to get these bills onto the floor and passed into law so we can help people in communities like mine in New Jersey who desperately need it.”

The OPEN Agenda is comprised of three bills: H.R. 5631, the Solutions not Stigmas Act, H.R. 5632 the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, and H.R. 5633, the Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act, which provide a comprehensive approach to increasing awareness of opioid and addiction solutions and transparency of the opioid approval process.

H.R. 5631, the Solutions not Stigmas Act, has been endorsed by the American Association of Medical Colleges, Shatterproof, Physician Assistant Education Association, and the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine; H.R. 5632, the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, has been endorsed by the National Council for Behavioral Health; and H.R. 5633, the Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act, has been endorsed by National Council for Behavioral Health, Shatterproof, U.S. First Responders Association, National Association of State EMS Officials, and International Association of Fire Fighters.

“Addressing the nationwide epidemic requires a multipronged effort coordinated across a full continuum of care,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of Hope Sheds Light, a Toms River-based organization aimed at raising awareness about the impact of addiction. “For so many families, fear of the stigma associated with substance use disorder (SUD) is what prevents them from reaching out before their loved one is in crisis. Often, it is their primary care provider with whom they share their initial fears. Public awareness can help change community norms making it easier for people to seek help. The Opioid Prevention and Education Now (OPEN) Agenda, is a coordinated and comprehensive set of bills aimed at promoting increased accountability on the part of the pharmaceutical industry, educating the public and enhancing the skills of healthcare providers offering front line assistance to families before it’s too late. We applaud Congressman Kim for his leadership.”

Earlier this week, Congressman Kim visited officials on the front lines of the fight against opioids and addiction at Oaks Integrated Care in Mt. Holly. In his first year in Congress, Congressman Kim helped deliver $500 million in funding to develop new treatments for those with opioid and addiction issues, met with local leaders and families dealing with the opioid epidemic, and held a town hall meeting to discuss potential solutions for New Jersey.

Information for those seeking help with opioid and addiction issues in Burlington and Ocean County can be found on the Congressman’s website by clicking here.

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