Leaders Call on Congress to Swiftly Complete Legislation and Provide Essential Funding
The Collaborative for Effective Prescription Opioid Policies (CEPOP) today voiced strong support for bipartisan action this week on multiple bills to address the opioid abuse, misuse, and diversion ravaging communities and families across the nation.
“As addiction and overdose deaths have mounted, we have mobilized nearly 70 national organizations behind CEPOP to press for a comprehensive and balanced approach to this life-threatening challenge for so many Americans,” noted Hon. Mary Bono, a co-founder of the group. “I am encouraged that my former House colleagues on both sides of the aisle have recognized this crisis and taken action. Now they must quickly reach agreement with the Senate. At the same time, we know these efforts are only beginning as we continue to search for more effective ways to save lives.”
“Every day, men and women of all ages overdose on prescription painkillers and die as a result. And every day Americans turn to a cheaper alternative that is flooding our nation—heroin,” said Richard Hamburg, Interim President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health and CEPOP co-founder. “For over two years, we have been developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that can prevent these tragedies. The Collaborative for Effective Prescription Opioid Policies was formed to unite diverse stakeholders behind this shared commitment.”
“We also commend Congress for confronting prescription drug abuse that knows no geographic, economic, or societal boundaries. Our coalition partners across the country are anxious for the support and resources that these bills and the related funding decisions can deliver. CADCA stands with our elected leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to drive these prevention, treatment and recovery initiatives forward,” said Gen. Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO and CEPOP co-founder.
About CEPOP
The Collaborative for Effective Prescription Opioid Policies (CEPOP) brings together a broad array of stakeholders interested in the appropriate use of opioid medications. Specifically, CEPOP supports a comprehensive and balanced public policy agenda that reduces abuse and promotes treatment options, both for those living with pain and confronting addiction. CEPOP’s advocacy is focused on driving actions in the public sector that develop and deploy evidence-based solutions to these challenges.
