Look to Timely Enactment by President, Full Funding and Agency Implementation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2016) – The Collaborative for Effective Prescription Opioid Policies (CEPOP; www.cepoponline.org) today saluted members of the U.S. Senate for the bipartisan action that passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) conference report and sent it to the President.
CEPOP calls for the swift enactment of this landmark legislation so that implementation can commence. Full funding in Fiscal Year 2017 and beyond is essential to realize the potential of the new policies and programs to save lives and turn the tide on the opioid epidemic.
“Families across America are one step closer to getting some help addressing the opioid abuse crisis. Thousands of people from every congressional district have helped craft this bill and their voices have been heard. While much work remains ahead, this is a vital step forward,” said former Congresswoman Mary Bono, co-convener of CEPOP.
“CARA recognizes the vital importance of prevention and provides critical enhancement grants to current and former Drug-Free Communities grantees to combat prescription drug and methamphetamine abuse in their communities,” said General Arthur Dean, Chairman and CEO of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and co-convener of CEPOP. “This comprehensive bill lays the groundwork to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic, which is killing 129 people a day. The time to get CARA to the President’s desk has never been more crucial.”