Keating Statement on $1b in Funding to Address Opioid and Heroin Epidemic

Statement

Below is a statement from Rep. Bill Keating on the President's announcement today that $1.1 billion in new funding will be allocated to fight the prescription drug, opioid, and heroin epidemic.

"Opioid and prescription drug abuse is a uniquely American epidemic. We represent only 5% of the world's population yet we consume over 80% of the world's opioids. From my time as a District Attorney -- when I started the first Heroin Task Force over a decade ago -- to my work today to fight this epidemic in Congress, I have seen prescription drug and heroin abuse balloon in this country. It affects every town in every state and does not discriminate based on socio-economic status. After the announcement, I was on the phone with Michael Botticelli, the White House's Director of National Drug Control Policy, to discuss to specifics of the funding, and I truly believe that the money allocated to comprehensive treatment programs will make a significant impact -- especially in a state like Massachusetts. I commend the President for putting real money into this fight and making this a priority. "

Rep. Keating is the author of the Stop the Tampering of Prescription Pills (STOPP) Act, which is first-of-its kind federal legislation that requires any brand-name painkiller -- immediate and extended release --currently on the market to employ an abuse-deterrent formulation. While there is no silver-bullet in eliminating prescription drug abuse, the STOPP Act is an important piece in preventing new users from abusing painkillers and safeguarding against overdoses.

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