Washington, DC (March 27) -The R Street Institute applauds the recent introduction of the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers (CORC) Act of 2018, sponsored by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) in the Senate and by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-N.Y.) and Gene Green (D-Texas) in the House.

According to R Street Director of Harm Reduction Carrie Wade, the bipartisan legislation is a necessary step forward to combat the current opioid epidemic.

The bill will ensure that patients are able to access necessary treatments for opioid dependence, as well as support services for reentry into the workforce – the latter of which, in particular, is an important and often undervalued component to lasting recovery. Treatment centers certified as CORCs will offer a full range of addiction services including detoxification, relapse prevention, counseling and all three FDA-approved medications (methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone).

“Calling the opioid issue for what it is, a public health crisis, shows that, as a nation, we are headed in the right direction. But now, this crisis demands decisive action by all levels of government and public health officials,” Wade said. “There is no single reason why people use opioids and no singular solution to treating addiction. A comprehensive solution—like the one offered in the legislation—is the best path forward for fighting to end this epidemic and the suffering it causes so many Americans.”

 

 

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