While media attention is largely focused now on the ongoing efforts by Republican lawmakers to repeal and replace Obamacare, legislation quietly passed by lawmakers last month — and signed into law by President Barack Obama — will provide billions in federal funding to fight cancer, Alzheimer’s and other serious health ailments.
The 21st Century Cures Act also allocates more than $1 billion in funding to help fight the deadly opioid crisis that is ravaging states like West Virginia. The measure was backed in the U.S. Senate by both U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
As part of the new legislation, Capito said priority for funding will be given to states like West Virginia that have been hard hit by addiction.
The legislation also provides federal funding to strengthen pediatric and high risk/high reward medical research; modernizes and strengthens grants for providing mental health services; provides $1.8 billion for Vice President Joe Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” to help speed research into cancer treatment; and provides $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve the understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
“I’m pleased the president signed this much needed legislation that will address the opioid epidemic, strengthen medical research, and expand access to mental health care,” Manchin said.
“I have worked hard to ensure that federal resources are dedicated to stem the tide of drug addiction and save lives,” Capito added. “Cures includes a spectrum of solutions I have supported, including improved prescription drug monitoring, new prevention programs, and expanded access to treatment and recovery.”
Capito said the bipartisan measure will take a comprehensive approach to addressing many of the nation’s health challenges.
We also welcome the passage of The 21st Century Cures Act. The federal measure will be particularly helpful when it comes to fighting the deadly opioid epidemic here in the mountains of southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia.