On Senate Floor, Ayotte Highlights Personal Stories of NH Heroin Epidemic

Press Release

In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) discussed her efforts to address New Hampshire's heroin and prescription drug epidemic and shared several personal stories of Granite Staters who have been tragically affected by this crisis. Working with both Republicans and Democrats, Ayotte has introduced and cosponsored numerous legislative proposals aimed at making sure first responders have the tools they need; improving prevention treatment, and recovery; and boosting anti-drug trafficking efforts.

"The headlines we're seeing every day in our local newspapers underscore the sad reality of this problem," Ayotte said. "[They] mirror the heartbreaking, personal stories of loss I've been hearing as I travel throughout our state...It's clear to me that we must take a multi-pronged approach to this problem and ensure that local, state and federal [officials] are working in partnership to identify effective strategies that will help save lives and take back our communities. For my part, I will remain committed to fighting against this epidemic on all fronts."

Ayotte discussed her experience riding along with the Manchester Fire Department on a heroin overdose call last year, where she witnessed first responders bring a man back to life using the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone. She also discussed personal experiences that New Hampshire families have shared about losing loved ones to heroin and prescription drug overdoses. Additionally, Ayotte discussed two pieces of legislation she helped introduce, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse, Prevention, Education, and Enforcement Act.

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