End Substance Use Disorder Joins 236 Organizations in Calling for Congress to Fund Overdose Prevention and Syringe Service Programs

Today, End Substance Use Disorder joined 236 organizations nationwide in asking Congress to provide $120 million dollars to expand overdose prevention and syringe service programs. In a letter to Congress, the organizations highlighted the vital role that overdose prevention programs play in reaching people with substance use disorder. These programs provide support services for individuals with substance use disorder, including access to naloxone, which can reduce overdose deaths by 46 percent. Nearly 6 in 10 people who visit these centers enroll in treatment.

But, in the midst of an accelerating overdose crisis, there is a shortage of overdose prevention programs across the country. Experts estimate that the United States needs nearly 5 times the number of overdose prevention programs that we currently have. The funding requested in this letter would allow for the opening of nearly 50 more programs nationwide.

“Overdose prevention programs deliver on their promise - they keep people who use drugs safe and provide pathways to treatment,” said End Substance Use Disorder president Erin Schanning. “This modest investment in our nation’s overdose prevention infrastructure will save lives, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and reduce health care costs.”

Read the full letter here.