WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to address the opioid crisis, the U.S. Senate today voted 98-1 to approve a broad, bipartisan package of opioid legislation.  Known as the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, the bill, which is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law, will help states and communities treat addiction, collect data, battle illegal substances, and develop improved strategies for combating substance abuse.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a key backer of several measures included in the bill, says it will help prioritize federal assistance for states like Rhode Island that have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic.

“This is an important step forward to help save lives, improve treatment, and address the opioid health problem in Rhode Island and nationwide.  We still have a long way to go, but this will help target more resources to effective, community-based solutions and expand access to treatment.  I am pleased we got bipartisan support to establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers, and I will continue working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to direct more assistance to communities in need,” said Reed, who noted that the House and Senate have appropriated $8.5 billion in this calendar year to help fight the opioid crisis. 

The House passed companion legislation last week on a vote of 393-8.