The Opioid Epidemic is A Public Health Crisis

Floor Speech

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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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