The National Rural Health Association applauds the Senate passage of S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). This bill establishes a comprehensive, coordinated and balanced strategy through enhanced grant programs that would expand prevention and education efforts while also promoting treatment and recovery. NRHA was able to improve the bill by successfully advancing language that puts a stronger focus on the epidemic in rural America.
The opioid epidemic is alarming. We are particularly concerned about the impact on rural Americans and their communities, who are especially vulnerable to prescription painkiller abuse and overdoses. The rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in non-metro counties is 45 percent higher than in metro counties, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This will allow rural voices to be heard and be part of the solution,” Maggie Elehwany, vice president of Government Affairs said. “We applaud members of Congress for reaching across the aisle for a bipartisan agreement. We hope the House passes this important bill quickly.”