U.S. Senate Holds Hearing on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Crisis; End Substance Use Disorder Responds

Today, the U.S. Senate held a hearing on responding to the nation’s mental health and substance use disorder crisis. The hearing included a young adult who has experienced mental health issues and experts in psychology, medicine and behavioral health.

“We recognize Chair Patty Murray and Ranking Member Richard Burr for organizing this much-needed discussion on how to keep our families safe from mental health hardships and substance use disorder,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “This hearing is an important, if overdue, first step to addressing the desperation that virtually every family feels right now. We are looking to these lawmakers to act with urgency to pass legislation that will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery supports.”

During the hearing, lawmakers recognized that the substance use disorder crisis has worsened significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 100,000 Americans lost their lives to an overdose in a year and more than 40 million people now have an active substance use disorder. At the same time, fewer than 1 in 10 people in need receive treatment, with communities of color, veterans, and rural communities facing even greater barriers to care.

End Substance Use Disorder has supported legislation to expand access to treatment, including the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which Sen. Lisa Murkowksi highlighted in her opening remarks.