Washington (March 14, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after Governor Charlie Baker signed into law legislation to address Massachusetts’s prescription opioid drug and heroin epidemic. Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the Comprehensive Abuse and Recovery Act (CARA), legislation that prioritizes prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. This week, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will debate legislation introduced by Senator Markey to expand access to medication-assisted therapies such as buprenorphine.
“Massachusetts has always been a national model for health care and public health solutions, and this legislation embodies the kind of statewide commitment to fighting the opioid crisis that is necessary to prevent and treat this disease of addiction. I commend Governor Baker and the Massachusetts State Legislature for their tireless efforts and leadership. This law is a comprehensive approach to prevent addiction before it takes hold and treat those who need it most, sending a powerful message that combatting the opioid epidemic is a state priority. I look forward to working with Governor Baker, Attorney General Healey, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg and state leaders to amplify state efforts at the federal level and secure the resources needed to truly address this crisis.”
In May 2015, Senator Markey and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) first called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue a U.S. Surgeon General’s Report and Call to Action on prescription drug and heroin abuse, which HHS then announced last fall that it will complete in 2016. In 2014, Senator Markey released a comprehensive plan to address the opioid epidemic. The plan outlines the broad range of actions – prevention, treatment and enforcement – that must work in unison to address the crisis. A full overview of Senator Markey’s efforts to address the heroin and prescription drug crisis can be found HERE.
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