CONCORD – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, N.H.-02, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, joined Reps. Harley Rouda, Calif.-48, and Ted Budd, N.C.-13,to introduce the bipartisan Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act. This bill would help ensure Drug-Free Communities coalitions can continue to operate and reduce youth substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many aspects of our daily lives to a halt, the substance misuse epidemic continues to affect Granite Staters and Americans across the country,” said Kuster. “The public health and economic crisis caused by this virus has put many at heightened risk of substance misuse. This legislation will help ensure critical drug-free programs in our communities have the funding and resources they need to prevent substance misuse and help those who are struggling to recover and reclaim their lives. I’m pleased to join my colleagues to introduce this much-needed bipartisan legislation, and I will continue working toward solutions to address the substance misuse epidemic.”

“While our nation fights the coronavirus pandemic, our communities are still deeply impacted by the addiction epidemic,” said House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Maloney. “Federal funding is critical to helping communities around the country fight addiction and save lives. Coalitions should not be punished by losing essential Drug-Free Communities grant funding due to the financial damage resulting from the coronavirus. I commend Congressman Rouda for introducing this bill with such strong bipartisan support and hope this bill is passed in the near future.”

“Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse is committed to driving solutions that prevent prescription drug abuse before it starts while supporting individuals in recovery as they rebuild their lives,” said former Congresswoman Mary Bono, chairman and CEO of Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse.

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