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Foster Calls For Increased Funding To Fight Heroin Abuse

April 4, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) continued his efforts to support the fight against heroin abuse by requesting increased resources to combat opioid abuse.

In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Foster called for more resources to support a comprehensive federal response to combat the national epidemic of opioid abuse. A copy of the letter can be found here.

“The rapid increase in heroin abuse in Illinois and throughout the country is a devastating trend. We must do all we can to reverse it,” said Foster. “I have heard too many stories from families from all walks of life who have lost a loved one to heroin abuse. This is an epidemic that is impacting people of every race, income, and education level. These are our sons and daughters, friends and neighbors.”

“Community leaders are working to fight back at the local level, yet at the federal level we have reduced resources, and that is unacceptable,” Foster added. “The federal government can and must do more to fight this tragic epidemic.”

In the letter, Foster called for increased funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and drug abuse prevention programs within the Center for Disease Control, and the National Institutes of Health.

In March, Foster testified before the House Committee on the Budget, requesting additional resources to combat heroin abuse. Foster’s efforts follow multiple community forums in Illinois’ 11th District focused on the fight against heroin abuse.