Providing Support to Families of Individuals Suffering From Substance Use Disorder

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of an important bill I recently introduced with my friend and colleague, David Trone from Maryland.

H.R. 5572, the Family Support Services Act, would improve access to nonprofit community organizations that provide vital support for families of individuals struggling with substance use disorder.

Despite the Trump administration's strong support of significant funding increases through H.R. 6 and other means, last year, my district experienced over 130 overdose deaths in Berks County alone, 102 in Schuylkill County. The numbers are tragically high throughout my district.

Families play an essential role in helping their loved ones recover from addiction, but the recovery process can be intimidating, stressful, and confusing. Organizations across the Nation struggle to offer family support services, such as finding treatment options, navigating insurance coverage and funding assistance, joining local support groups, and training and educating parents.

Currently, organizations offering these services receive no government funding. H.R. 5572 would create a grant program to improve access to these vital services and save lives.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 5572, and empower families to do all they can to help their loved ones recover.

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