Congressman Turner is joined by Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) to fight the heroin epidemic across the country.
Today, Congressman Turner released the following statement with Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) after introducing The Reforming and Expanding Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act. This legislation will increase flexibility in how existing federal funding can be used to combat the heroin epidemic.
“We are facing a nationwide epidemic of heroin and prescription drug abuse that is resulting in drastic increases in addiction rates, overdose deaths, and incarceration. Sadly, unnecessary burdens stand in the way of communities seeking to fight this epidemic. This bill would take the commonsense steps to eliminate these barriers and expand access to the resources used in treating individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders.”
- Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10)
“Substance abuse is a serious disease permeating every facet of our society, including our prisons. Congress must act to get help to those in need. By removing burdensome restrictions, the TREAT Act increases resource flexibility and expands access to treatment for incarcerated persons. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to combat drug addiction and help save lives.”
- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11)
“Expanding drug-treatment opportunities to incarcerated individuals has the potential to save lives and stabilize communities. I’ve heard directly from those on the front lines of this crisis that this bill would take a positive step towards preparing those behind bars for a more productive, healthy lifestyle upon release. I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Rep. Turner and Rep. Fudge on this legislation and urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in further examining ways to combat the opioid crisis.”
– Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3)
Areas of Impact
· The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) prohibits the use of grants from its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for substance abuse treatment services provided to individuals who are incarcerated. Under this bill, these resources will be made available to individuals in both community-based and institutional settings.
· Under Medicaid’s Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion, facilities with more than sixteen beds are not eligible for reimbursement. As such, the IMD exclusion prevents reimbursement for substance abuse treatment provided to incarcerated individuals who are otherwise eligible for and enrolled in Medicaid. Under this bill, substance abuse treatment provided in correctional institutions would become eligible for reimbursement.
Congressman Turner has been fighting this issue in Southwest Ohio since 2013:
· December 18, 2013: Toured Soin Medical Center, where issue of Heroin Exposed Newborns was raised.
· March 10, 2014: Met with area hospitals to discuss the growing issue of Heroin Exposed Newborns.
· May 15, 2014: Visited Dayton Children’s Hospital NICU to discuss infant heroin exposure and the withdrawal and recovery process.
· June 30, 2014: Held a Community Forum on the Effects of the Heroin Epidemic on Newborns.
· August 27, 2014: Visited the Women’s Recovery Center.
· May 2015: Held Community Summit on Heroin Exposed Infants.
· August 21, 2015: Toured Greene County Jail and Green Leaf Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program; met with criminal justice system administrators and substance abuse and mental health leadership.
· November 18, 2015: Met with with ONDCP Director Michael Botticelli
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