John Rice Carter: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4599 because treatment of addiction to…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4599 because treatment of addiction to opioid painkillers and heroin is vital in fighting the U.S. drug abuse epidemic. H.R. 4982 requires the Government Accountability Office to report on inpatient and outpatient treatment capacities, detoxification programs, rehabilitation programs, and treatment programs for pregnant women and adolescents. Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers are usually one of the biggest obstacles communities face when trying to help people who are fighting addiction. Unfortunately, for most communities, local treatment facilities are few and far between and many of them are full. As a lifelong healthcare professional, I believe the only way we will be able to adequately fight this opioid abuse epidemic is if we work together. {time} 1830 We need to adequately understand the treatment services that are available to people with addiction across the country so we can use these tools to their fullest extent. That is why I am supporting H.R. 4982. By understanding all the tools the community can use, we can begin to fight this epidemic. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill so we can begin to leverage our resources to help our communities fight opioid abuse.”