Congressmen Meuser and Trone Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Families Struggling with Substance Use Disorder

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressmen Dan Meuser (R-PA) and David Trone (D-MD) introduced the Family Support Services for Addiction Act. This legislation would create a $25 million grant program over five years to help national and local nonprofit organizations provide family support services for addiction treatment.

The legislation comes as the country is facing a nationwide addiction epidemic. Nearly 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2017. Sadly, Pennsylvania is no exception— in 2017, Pennsylvania experienced 5,456 drug-related overdose deaths. That's almost 15 a day, and more than 43 per 100,000 Pennsylvanians— twice the national average.

Helping loved ones who are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) can be stressful, confusing, frustrating, and heartbreaking. While our communities are working hard to provide treatment options and support services, families still struggle with where to start.

"The Family Support Services for Addiction Act will help families access resources to guide them through the incredibly difficult and intimidating process of helping a loved one with substance use disorder. Family support services help families navigate their insurance coverage, explore treatment options, and understand how they can best help their loved one recover. Combating the opioid epidemic has been a top priority since coming to Congress, and I believe this legislation can play a key role in ensuring those struggling get the help they need," said Congressman Meuser.

"For five years, I navigated the complicated world of addiction and recovery services with my nephew Ian, who was addicted to opioids," said Congressman Trone, founder of the Freshmen Working Group on Addiction, of which Congressman Meuser is a member. "The addiction crisis doesn't just impact one person, it impacts the family, friends, and communities of someone seeking recovery. The bipartisan Family Support Services for Addiction Act acknowledges this impact and provides funding directly to organizations that are helping the loved ones of someone with substance use disorder beat this horrible disease."

Kathy Strain, a resident of Berks County and constituent of Congressman Meuser, applauded the bill, saying: "The shame and stigma of substance use lands on the shoulders of parents like me. Families are in desperate need of support. Getting programs like parent coaching to these parents is imperative."

Organizations around the country help millions of family members affected by substance use disorder every day. Family support services include assistance in navigating insurance coverage and treatment options, parent training and education, counseling services, specialized crisis support, and more. Unfortunately, many of the organizations offering these services receive little to no government support. The Family Support Services for Addiction Act establishes a grant program for national and local community programs offering family support services to access funding and keep their doors open.

The Family Support Services for Addiction Act, which has a Senate companion bill introduced by Senators Gillibrand (D-NY) and Capito (R-WV), has been endorsed by Center on Addiction + Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, The Kennedy Forum, Attack Addiction (Delaware), Not One More (Alabama), Parents Helping Parents (Oklahoma), Hope Sheds Light (New Jersey), Not One More (Pennsylvania), and Drug Free Workplace PA and Family Education (Pennsylvania).

More information about the bill can be found here.

More information on how Congressman Meuser's office can help with addiction resources can be found here.