Sen. Donnelly Issues Statement on Opioid Crisis Being Declared ‘Nationwide Public Health Emergency’

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 -- Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., issued the following statement after President Trump directed his administration to declare the epidemic a 'nationwide public health emergency. Sen. Donnelly reiterated to President Trump, in a letter, the need for significant federal action to combat this crisis:

"Last year, several of Donnelly's provisions were signed into law, and he successfully advocated and continues to advocate for funding that would expand prevention and treatment programs. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and the 21st Century Cures Act, both of which Donnelly helped get passed and signed into law, have programs and funding to combat the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics.

"Through the Cures Act, Donnelly helped Indiana secure nearly $11 million in federal grant funding this year that will support prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.

"Donnelly said, "We know it will take an all-hands on deck approach at the federal, state, and local levels to combat the opioid epidemic. The President's announcement is another important step in the ongoing effort to bring more awareness to this escalating crisis that has devastated families and communities across Indiana and our country. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate, and with President Trump, to provide the resources needed for prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement, and to move my bipartisan legislative proposals forward, including those that would increase access to telemedicine and address the shortage of providers treating substance abuse."