GOP rep: ‘We can’t let politics get in the way’ of opioid fight

Rep. Bob Dold (R-Ill.) said Saturday the fight against the opioid epidemic must continue as both Congress and the White House put forward initiatives to address the growing issue. 

{mosads}”This type of abuse spans every demographic, financial situation and community,” Dold said in the weekly Republican address. “It can literally happen to anyone. That’s why the opioid epidemic demands a national response. We can’t let politics get in the way of giving people a second chance at recovery.” 

In March, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that creates a national task force, shifts funding to community organizations dedicated to fighting addition and increases the availability of naloxone, a drug that treats opioid overdoses. But the bill doesn’t create any new funding.

Meanwhile, President Obama announced a new task force to evaluate insurance coverage of mental health and drug abuse benefits. He also announced the Department of Health and Human Services has finalized a policy that will ensure 23 million Medicaid users receive the same access to mental-health and drug addiction benefits as people with private health plans. 

“We’re doing all that we can to prevent overdoses and reduce addition,” Dold said. “We will continue leading this fight at home and also in Washington, D.C.” 

“By working together, we can not only save young people … from falling victim to drug abuse, but also help those in our communities struggling to get their lives on track.”