WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster (NH-02), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Katie Porter (CA-45), and David Trone (MD-06), sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra, ahead of the expiring opioid public health emergency (PHE) on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021. In the letter, the Members urge HHS to consider renewing the PHE declared to combat the opioid epidemic and broaden its scope to address the evolving drug epidemic, while also addressing mental health.

“The past year has weighed heavy on the American people,” the Members wrote. “A once-in-a-century virus and the resulting economic downfall exacerbated multiple existing public health crises, such as the scourge of overdose deaths. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that drug overdose deaths accelerated during the pandemic. In the twelve months leading up to August 2020, 88,000 overdose deaths occurred, the highest ever recorded in a twelve-month period. While synthetic opioids are considered a driver of these statistics, overdose deaths involving other drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, are part of the increasing concern as well.”

“While complete data for 2020 continues to be collected and analyzed, most public health experts agree that the pandemic will have short- and long-term effects on substance use and mental health,” the Members continued. “Federal public health agencies must coordinate now to increase treatment and prevent further tragedy. We urge you to consider renewing the PHE declared to combat the opioid epidemic and broaden its scope to address the evolving drug epidemic, and use your full authority to improve upon efforts to address mental health in the United States.”