Faso Joins Bipartisan Heroin Task Force,
Highlights Opioid Take Back Day
Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today announced that he joined the bipartisan Heroin Task Force, which jointly works on issues directly to the country’s heroin abuse epidemic. Opioids have largely been identified as ‘gateway drugs’ to heroin.
“Fighting the opioid and heroin epidemics are bipartisan issues that require decisive and comprehensive solutions. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop solutions to each element of the drug abuse epidemics. We cannot allow these epidemics to continue to hurt our communities.” – Congressman John Faso
“I welcome my friend and colleague Congressman John Faso to the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force. Congressman Faso is a real problem solver who has always been committed to finding solutions to our nation’s critical issues. I know he is dedicated to fighting the opioid crisis and will always reach across the aisle to help his community and our country. He will make a great member of the Task Force and I look forward to working with him to combat the opioid epidemic.” – Congressman Tom MacArthur, co-chair of the Task Force
The Heroin Task Force’s legislative agenda can be accessed by clicking here.
This Saturday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be facilitating National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28th. The day is designed to educate the general public about the potential for prescription drug abuse and give a safe and convenient way for the public to dispose of prescription drugs.
The DEA has created a collection site locator that will allow anyone to find a convenient location to drop off prescription drugs for disposal: COLLECTION SITE LOCATOR
Collection sites in the Capitol Region are included on this map. All sites are open from10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th.
- Year-round drug collection sites are included on this map.
Further background from the DEA: The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Background
Congressman Faso was ranked as the 18th most bipartisan member of the House of Representatives by the Lugar Center Bipartisan Index.
Congressman Faso previously sent a letter to OMB Director Mick Mulvaney urging the department to submit a comprehensive funding proposal to combat the opioid crisis.
Congressman Faso is a leading advocate for passage of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act. The STOP Act would help curb the opioid crisis by cracking down on synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, reaching the United States through postal shipments.
- Rep. Faso wrote an op-ed in the Poughkeepsie Journal highlighting why passing this bill is so important.
- The House Ways and Means Committee just yesterday held a hearing on legislation to crack down on synthetic drugs shipped through international mail.
Congressman Faso previously led a letter urging the House Appropriations Committee to robustly fund mental health programs, including sections within the 21st Century Cures Act, in the omnibus package.
- The Omnibus package contained $2.3 billion in new funding for mental health programs, including 30 sections of the 21st Century Cures Act.
