WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation signed at the White House Wednesday by Pres. Donald Trump was “the largest single allocation of resources to deal with substance abuse in the country’s history.”
The legislation Trump signed is called SUPPORT for Patients and Communities and includes many initiatives related to the tackling the epidemic.
Greg Puckett, Mercer County commissioner and director of Community Connections, was on hand for the event, which was the result of a bipartisan effort.
“It was great,” he said. “It was a regal ceremony, and the President addressed the bomb issue first. It was amazing to be a part of it.”
Puckett said politicians, heads of businesses and non-profits, and professionals in the field were on hand to herald the $6 billion effort to tackle the problem from every angle, from prevention to treatment to controlling and prescribing opioids to effective record-keeping and telehealth.
“It was one of those things when you look back at things you do in life and having the opportunity to be a part of history, it was huge,” he said, adding that Ivanka Trump was also there as well as other officials.
Puckett said the First Lady, Melania Trump, spoke and this has been part of her platform, especially helping babies born addicted.
“She has visited Lily’s Place in Huntington,” he said, referring to a hospital that specializes in treating addicted babies.
Puckett is on two national substance abuse prevention boards and has been active for many years in the battle against the opioid epidemic.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., was also on hand for the ceremony.
“Having put so much work into shaping this legislation, I was honored to be at the White House today as President Trump signed it into law,” Capito said. “With the president’s signature, we are able to finally deliver on our promise for a robust, comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic that is plaguing West Virginia and so many other state across the country. For West Virginia, this law will more than double the state’s opioid funding because of a provision I secured to prioritize states like ours. This bill also addresses more than just addiction; it also focuses on families, prevention, education, and life after recovery. I’m so proud of the work that went into this bipartisan legislation, and I’m eager to see how it changes lives for the better.”
“I applaud President Trump for signing this opioid package that will help our country and West Virginia better fight and end the opioid epidemic,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “In our state, we know all too well the devastating impact the opioid epidemic has had on West Virginians, their families and our communities. We have the highest overdose rate per capita of any state in our nation.”
Both Capito and Manchin were instrumental in providing legislation that is included.
“This package is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together in regular order and I will continue to fight to ensure West Virginia is getting our fair share of funding to fight this epidemic,” Manchin said.
On the Virginia side, Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th District, also had high praise for the legislation.
“For all who are fighting the opioid crisis, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act delivers help,” he said. “It includes tools to treat addiction, reduce the availability of illegal substances, develop non-addictive painkillers, and gather more information about this epidemic.
“I was proud to be part of the major bipartisan effort that produced this law. It does not end with President Trump’s signature. Working together across party lines, between all levels of government and with the private and nonprofit sectors, we can help people overcome or avoid opioid abuse.”
“This comprehensive legislation takes significant steps to stem the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). “By making necessary improvements to substance abuse treatment and recovery services, we can help save lives. That’s why I’m proud to report that this historic package includes several proposals that I championed to expand telehealth services to ensure more families get the addiction treatment they need.”
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said the bill “is the product of a strong bipartisan effort to tackle the addiction crisis that is taking lives in Virginia and across the country. I’m proud the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act includes my proposals to help ensure job training is incorporated into recovery programs and that the kids who are hurt by this crisis get the resources they need. This comprehensive effort aiming to address prevention, treatment, and recovery is an important step toward solving the addiction crisis.”