Reed, Durbin Applaud New Initiative to Strike Back at Growing Heroin Epidemic

Press Release

U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) welcomed today's announcement of a new targeted initiative through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the heroin epidemic. In December, Reed and Durbin led a group of twenty-one Senators in calling on HHS to prioritize programs that reduce heroin and other opioid overdose deaths in its national strategy to curb prescription drug abuse. Both Senators have been active in highlighting the need for expanded access to overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to substance abuse treatment services and other follow-up care.

"Heroin and opioid abuse is a serious public health and safety problem and we need a comprehensive, coordinated response to this epidemic. I commend the Obama Administration for boosting prevention efforts and expanding access to treatment options for those who need it. Research shows naloxone works. It's a lifesaver that helps prevent overdose deaths from prescription painkillers and heroin. We need to help states purchase overdose-prevention toolkits and train first responders and individuals who work with addicts to effectively use them so we can save lives. This is a devastating problem and there is so much more to be done. We need to bring together law enforcement, medical personnel, addiction treatment specialists, social service providers, pharmacies, and families to help save lives and get at the root of this problem," said Reed, who introduced the Overdose Prevention Act, which would expand access to naloxone, as well as drug overdose prevention programs that have been proven to save lives.

"Naloxone is sometimes called the "Lazarus drug" because of its ability to reverse the deadly effects of a heroin overdose. And yet, law enforcement officers in only three Illinois counties carry it," Durbin said. "With heroin and opioid use on the rise, why wouldn't we do everything we could to give first-responders access to this life-saving drug? I am glad to see the Department of Health and Human Services answering that call today by expanding the use of naloxone and providing additional training and resources to the first-responders who are on the frontline of this crisis."

Source