This week, Congress passed legislation, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, to help address the national epidemic of opioid abuse. The bill does not provide new funding but does create several new grant programs under Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services to fight opioid abuse and addictions. Key provisions in the legislation include increased medication-assisted treatments, further access to naloxone (an opioid overdose-reversing drug), and additional educational opportunities on opioid abuse. The White House released a statement saying the president plans to sign the bill into law.
