Families Affected by Opioid and Heroin Addiction Converge in Washington, DC to Support Swift Action on the Opioid Epidemic

What:

More than 129 families who have lost loved ones due to a drug overdose will be in Washington, DC to speak out in support of action on the epidemic, including passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).  The 129 families represent the 129 people who die from drug overdose in the US every day.

Media is invited to attend a press conference with the families and the Members of Congress who were instrumental in moving the legislative packages through Congress. 

While in DC, families will also testify at a House hearing and visit with their Members of Congress to ask that they complete the conference committee quickly and send final legislation to the President's desk before Memorial Day.

The Senate passed CARA, S. 524, in early March with bipartisan support. Last week the House passed a package of 18 bills that offer a comprehensive response to addiction that includes prevention, drug treatment, recovery support and law enforcement.

Who:

More than 129 families impacted by addiction, including children who have lost parents and parents who have lost children to drug addiction. 

Jessica Nickel, Executive Director of Addiction Policy Forum

Members of Congress, including:

•

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Lead Sponsor of CARA

•

Representative Frank Guinta (NH-01), Co-Chair, Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic

•

Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Co-Chair, Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic 

When:

Thursday, May 19, 9:00 AM

Where:            

House Triangle, US Capitol Grounds

Related Event:

Hearing before House Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic featuring families impacted by addiction

(Wednesday, May 18, 4:00-6:00 PM, 2226 Rayburn HOB)