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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1350-E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUPPORT ACT
______
HON. ADAM KINZINGER
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 28, 2019
Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one-year
anniversary of
[[Page E1351]]
the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act being signed into law. The
SUPPORT Act was the most comprehensive law ever enacted by Congress to
take on a drug crisis--a bold response to an opioid epidemic that has
affected every corner of our country.
The SUPPORT Act took big strides in addressing the crisis by
expanding access to treatment and recovery services, providing
communities with the tools and resources they need to be successful on
the front lines, ensuring we have effective systems in place to keep
these powerful drugs from getting into the wrong hands, and more.
I was proud to have my legislation, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan
Act, included in the final package. My bill requires a comprehensive
look at government practices--including reimbursement, coverage, and
data collection--and allows us to find alternate methods of treating
pain through innovation by making Medicare and Medicaid more flexible,
adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction.
The SUPPORT Act recognized that while this crisis has reached every
zip code, a one-size-fits-all approach won't remedy the issue
effectively, and that's where the role of community comes into play. I
believe community is at the heart of many issues facing our nation
right now and is a key component for those struggling with opioid
addiction.
Having a support network and a sense of belonging is important to all
of us, so it is imperative that on a community level we guide those who
are fighting addiction, whether that be a family member, neighbor, or a
compassionate stranger. The SUPPORT Act helps communities do just that,
by propping up community organizations with technical or financial
assistance, establishing peer support networks, and distributing best
practices for those on the front lines within the community, like
health professionals or law enforcement.
As a society, we must do better to ensure those who are struggling
know that they are not alone, and that they have a team of support
around them. The stigma surrounding substance use disorders is real and
detrimental to those who need help or are trying to rebuild their
lives. The language we use to talk about them is incredibly important
to breaking the stigma. We wouldn't define a person with cancer or
Parkinson's by their disease and addiction is no different.
The SUPPORT Act was a giant leap in the right direction, and while we
are already seeing real results, we must continue to work together,
from Congress down to the community leaders, to help those who are
struggling and end this devastating crisis for good.
____________________
