Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - This week Congressman Scott Perry supported a barrage of legislation designed to combat the opioid crisis.

“While public policy can’t fight this battle alone, we can do our part to help turn the tide. We’ll continue to coordinate efforts, listen to our first responders, doctors and law enforcement officers and take those thoughts to help shape the changes to our laws because even one life lost is too many. We also appreciate the comprehensive efforts by providers, community groups, public services and private businesses to help curb this epidemic,” said Perry.

The House of Representatives considered nearly 40 bills for consideration on the opioid crisis throughout the week. Proposals focus on treatment and recovery options, abuse prevention, bolstering resources for law enforcement and fighting fentanyl. Bills include: direction for the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to establish opioid treatment clinics in areas hardest hit by this crisis; changes to prescribing guidelines for opioids for Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP recipients; improving patient education about the hazards of opioids and non-opioid pain management options; and guidance for addressing infants born addicted to opioids for providers across the United States.

The CDC reports that more than 40% of all deaths in 2016 involved opioids, including 4,627 deaths in Pennsylvania.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Please call 1-800-662-4357 or visit https://apps.ddap.pa.gov/gethelpnow/ to find Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services near you.

For more information about Congressional efforts to prevent, treat and combat opioid abuse, please visit https://www.opioidcrisis.gop/.