Washington, D.C.– Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after President Trump signed the final version of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R.6) into law. It’s the most significant congressional and bipartisan effort against a single drug crisis in history. Language the Congresswoman helped introduce, the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 (H.R. 5684), was included in this legislation.

“This is the most comprehensive action we’ve taken to combat the opioid epidemic. It will bolster treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect our communities, and fight synthetic drugs like fentanyl that are coming across our borders from China and Mexico. It also includes language I led on to expand services for seniors who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse.

“For families in every district across the country, including in Eastern Washington, this fight is personal. This summer, I shared Kristin’s story. She was a successful, highly competitive swimmer when she was injured. She was prescribed some opioids, and it has led to a heroin addiction, which has led to four stints in rehab, losing custody of her child, and numerous job firings. Her addiction has torn her family apart, and it’s not solved. People battling addiction, like Kristin and her family, need help and hope. That’s why we are united today to deliver real solutions and end this crisis.”

Note: Included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act was language from Cathy’s  Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 (H.R. 5684), which will help with prevention of opioid abuse among seniors by expanding eligibility for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for Medicare beneficiaries who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse.

Cathy has also worked to share the personal stories of families battling opioid addiction in Eastern Washington.

CLICK HERE to read Rachel’s story in Cathy’s column in the Spokesman-Review.

CLICK HERE to watch Kristin’s story that Cathy shared in a House Leadership Press Conference.