08.10.17

Hoeven Statement on President Declaring Opioid Epidemic a National Emergency

Senator Working to Prevent Sale of Dangerous Synthetic Drugs; Support Treatment, Prevention and Recovery

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the President’s announcement that he plans to declare the opioid epidemic a national emergency:

“Opioid addiction has presented significant challenges for individuals, families and communities across North Dakota and the nation. By declaring the opioid epidemic as a national emergency, the president has made it a priority to combat this crisis and ensure that our law enforcement, educators and health care providers have the tools they need to prevent and treat substance abuse, as well as assist those in recovery.”

Hoeven has been working to provide funding and resources to help prevent and treat addiction, including: 

  • Opioid prevention, treatment and recovery funding included in the 21st Century Cures Act. Earlier this year, North Dakota received $2 million in funding to help fight opioid addiction, the first year of funding under the legislation. 
  • Hoeven reintroduced his Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, legislation that closes a loophole that enables companies to circumvent the law and sell synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as “not for human consumption.”
  • Expanded prevention and education efforts in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, bipartisan legislation that passed in July 2016. This legislation helps combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic by expanding prevention efforts, supporting law enforcement, improving treatment of overdoses and enhancing access to treatment and recovery services for substance abuse.

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