State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2379, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act.

This legislation provides critical resources to State and local governments combating the opioid crisis that has crippled communities across the United States, including Utah.

This legislation will give State and local governments flexibility in addressing this tragic epidemic in their communities.

For example, in Utah there are significant socioeconomic differences between Price and Orem, two communities I represent that are both fighting addiction.

We have to allow experts on the ground to address these challenges accordingly, which is why I strongly support this legislation.

Equally as important is ensuring we have the workforce to treat individuals suffering with addiction.

That is why I recently introduced the Helping Enable Access to Lifesaving Services Act, or the HEALS Act.

The HEALS Act would complement the State opioid response grants with targeted Federal dollars to help train future behavioral healthcare workers in areas of high need.

Taken together, these are the necessary steps to fight addiction in communities across our country, which has taken the lives of nearly 100,000 Americans in this past year alone.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2379 and my legislation, the HEALS Act.

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