End Substance Use Disorder Applauds Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Funding in President Biden’s Budget
On May 28th, President Biden released his budget request for 2022, which would invest $41 billion in national drug control agencies. The budget devotes a historically high portion of resources to evidence-based treatment, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery services.
The budget follows recent victories for overdose prevention and recovery from the Biden-Harris Administration, including an executive action that will help thousands secure long-term recovery and stay safe from overdoses.
Today, End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement on President Biden’s budget proposal, which invests billions in prevention, treatment, and recovery:
“President Biden’s budget recognizes that substance use disorder is not a personal failing, but rather, a medical condition that we can prevent and treat with common-sense investments in proven solutions,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “We should all have access to the support we need to be well. These proposed investments are a major step forward in ending the substance use disorder crisis that is devastating our families and our communities. These investments will save countless lives and strengthen public safety.”
If enacted, the budget would address substance use disorder in many ways, including:
Allocating 57% of the budget to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery supports - a historically high investment.
Allowing portions of the $2.3 billion federal State Opioid Response Grants to be used to address methamphetamine and stimulant use disorder, which are a growing cause of suffering and death.
Setting aside 30% of the $3.5 billion SAMHSA block grants specifically for prevention and recovery services.
Expanding access to medication-based treatment for justice-involved individuals to support their health and well being and enhance public safety.
Investing nearly $750 million in recovery housing and housing assistance to support people with substance use disorders in healing and staying safe.
In issuing the budget request, President Biden recognized that funding is an important part of the solution to the overdose crisis, but that funding alone will not end the suffering of millions across the country. Stigma and outdated policies restrict access to proven prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions. President Biden and Congress must act with urgency to remove these barriers to life-saving care through legislation such as the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act.