December 4, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 193 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H9230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss 
H.R. 5249, the Supporting Healthy Outcomes for Mothers and Infants Act. 
I am proud to cosponsor this bill alongside my colleague, Congressman   
David Trone.
  The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. It does not 
discriminate. Opioid abuse impacts all of our communities, and sadly, 
expectant mothers and children are particularly vulnerable.
  This bill will help address the crisis by properly investing in 
opportunities for both education and prevention. Equally important, the 
bill works to destigmatize addiction and rightfully treat it as an 
illness.
  Specifically, the Supporting Healthy Outcomes for Mothers and Infants 
Act instructs the Health and Human Services Secretary and the 
Agriculture Secretary to develop evidence-based nutrition education 
material for WIC-eligible pregnant women and caregivers to infants 
impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome.
  It ensures WIC conducts outreach to those who may be eligible for the 
program or impacted by substance abuse disorder.
  Lastly, the bill makes any nutrition education and training materials 
developed available to State agencies through an online clearinghouse.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to cosponsor and 
support H.R. 5249.

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