Bilirakis Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Veterans' Opioid Safety

Statement

U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) today hosted a roundtable conversation about the implementation of his legislation, the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act, to address Veterans' opioid safety and quality pain management through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation, signed into law earlier this year, is named after Marine Corps Veteran Jason Simcakoski who died in 2014 due to a toxic mixture of prescribed opioid medication.

"After hearing Jason's story, I introduced the PROMISE Act to prevent future tragedies and help other heroes throughout the country in his name," said Bilirakis. "Today, we heard from key Veterans care providers about how we can realize the goals of Jason's law. I especially want to thank the Simcakoski family for their tireless efforts to make the PROMISE Act a reality. With this law, our Veterans can receive safer, more personalized VA care as they deal with their physical and invisible wounds."

Bilirakis was joined by officials from the VA, The American Legion, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as members of the Simcakoski family.

The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act will increase safety standards at the VA for opioid therapy and pain management, while ensuring more accountability and transparency at agency. Please click here to learn more about the bill.

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