End Substance Use Disorder Applauds House Committee Passage of Legislation with Funding for Overdose Prevention and Syringe Service Programs

For the first time in history, the House Appropriations Committee today passed a spending bill that includes a nearly $70 million investment in overdose prevention and syringe service programs. End Substance Use Disorder had previously joined with organizations from across the country in calling for Congress to fund these programs. Today’s passage is a meaningful victory on the pathway to building universal access to life-saving care for substance use disorder.

“The Committee’s passage today of this historic funding bill recognizes that we all deserve access to the basic support and healthcare we need to be well,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Overdose prevention and syringe service programs keep people safe and open pathways to treatment for those who are ready. These programs, which are backed by decades of evidence, can save lives and help stem the overdose crisis.”

Overdose prevention programs provide access to support services and medical care for people with substance use disorder, including access to the overdose reversal medication, naloxone. The focus of overdose prevention and syringe service programs is to provide front-line care to people who use drugs to prevent overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Nearly 6 in 10 people who visit these centers enroll in treatment. Despite their proven effectiveness, most people in need lack access to these services.

The House is expected to vote on the spending bill in coming weeks and then the Senate will consider the legislation. If passed, the investment would help expand overdose prevention programs to communities in need.