Legislation is Introduced to Combat Opioid Crisis on Campuses

WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, today introduced legislation that would require colleges and universities to offer evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to students. Campuses across the country are feeling the impact of the opioid crisis. One in ten undergraduates report using pain medications for non-medical reasons.

“Colleges and universities have a role to play in turning the tide in the deadly opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across America, including on-campus,” said Shea-Porter. “College students should always have a healthy and safe environment on campus. That must include providing students with access to the full range of programs that educate students about alcohol and substance use, and provide treatment and recovery services.”

“The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act introduced by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter is a wonderful step in the effort to advocate for the safety of higher education students as related to the use and misuse of drugs on campuses,” said Stephanie Keegan. “My son Daniel fell into addiction while attending college in New Hampshire and later died as a direct result of his addiction. I am so pleased to see this wonderful piece of legislation presented by the Congresswoman, and I am absolutely certain that when passed, it will go a long way to preventing circumstances similar to that of my much loved and greatly missed son. We owe it to our children to do everything we can to help keep them safe as they advance their lives in the world of higher education.”

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