Senator has been leading the Congressional effort for opioid treatment funding included in legislation

Washington (December 5, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today in support of the 21^st Century Cures Act, which appropriates $1 billion dollars to fund opioid recovery and treatment programs. 

“Our communities are being devastated by opioid addiction and overdoses across the country, and the funding in this legislation will be the help they need to save lives right now. This funding will provide hope to the individuals and families suffering with addiction in Massachusetts who cannot find a bed for detox or a provider for long-term treatment and recovery. Last year, I introduced legislation to increase funding for states by more than $1 billion to expand opioid treatment and recovery services and get help to those who need it most, and I am pleased that Congress is finally responding with financial resources to the greatest public health crisis facing our nation.

“This legislation also includes medical and research funding that is the lifeblood of Massachusetts’s innovation economy, supporting the development of the breakthroughs and cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other deadly diseases. This funding will help ensure the continued success of the National Institutes of Health and the critical work of Massachusetts’s hospitals, universities and researchers in the future. 

“I do have concerns with the provisions in this legislation around approval and oversight processes at the Food and Drug Administration. I will continue to monitor implementation of this legislation to ensure that the strongest protections are put in place at the FDA to protect American patients and consumers.”

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