Political Quotes

“Our Nation's healthcare providers are in a unique position to recognize and start to address a patient suffering from addiction. It is vital that their training fully equips them to play that very important role. Currently, fewer than 10 percent of U.S. medical schools require a dedicated course on addiction, and only a handful have a robust curriculum on the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder. The TEACH to Combat Addiction Act seeks to increase the amount of education health professional students receive specific to substance use disorder and addiction by recognizing and supporting institutions that focus on these areas and holding them up as a model for other programs. I know from talking with schools in Ohio like the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University that the medical education community is eager to be a part of the solution to the opioid crisis. This legislation gives them the additional tools with which to pursue innovative strategies and community partnerships that advance their students' knowledge and understanding of substance use disorder and addiction. Mr. Speaker, the work we are doing in this House to combat the opioid epidemic is important. Too many of our families, friends, and neighbors have been lost for us to delay any longer. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”