PORT ANGELES — U.S. Rep Derek Kilmer and others in Congress whose districts have been hit hard by opioid drugs have introduced a bill to provide more than $1 billion to fight the epidemic.
Kilmer, whose 6th Congressional District includes the North Olympic Peninsula, was one of six lead sponsors of the Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act.
The bill has the support of 90 house Democrats and reflects President Barack Obama’s budget request for resources to increase treatment programs that will help address the drug crisis, according to Kilmer’s office.
“Wherever you live, too many folks have felt the impact of heroin and opioid abuse,” said Kilmer, a Port Angeles native, in a Thursday news release.
“This scourge has led to overcrowded jails, overwhelmed medical professionals and emergency responders and families who simply want to do more to help their loved ones.
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a bill that invests in programs and professionals that are on the ground helping those struggling with addiction and working to provide lifesaving care.” Kilmer added.
Opioid overdoses
More than 28,000 died from opioid overdose nationwide in 2014, a 200-percent increase since 2000.
Clallam County had one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the state at 29.0 per 100,000 people in 2013. The state death rate was 14.8 per 100,000.
Jefferson County’s opioid overdose death rate is lower than Clallam County’s but higher than the state average, Jefferson County Public Health Director Jean Baldwin has said.
The Opioid and Heroin Abuse Crisis Investment Act reflects the president’s call for $1.16 billion to combat the roots of the epidemic, Kilmer’s office said.
Bill provisions
■ $930 million to support agreements with states to expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders.
■ $50 million to expand access to substance use treatment providers.
■ $12.5 million for Drug Enforcement Administration heroin enforcement.
■ Studies of real-world medication-assisted treatment.
■ Advancements of safe opioid prescribing guidelines.
■ Enhancements of prescription drug monitoring programs.
■ Treatment for prisoners, Second Chance Act grant program funding and residential substance abuse treatment programs.
Other lead sponsors of the legislation were Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, Lucille Roybal-Allard of California, Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts and Ann McLane Kuster of New Hampshire.
Naloxone
Meanwhile, Kilmer and public health officials have championed the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, which can block the effects of heroin or opioid-based prescription pills long enough for medical care to arrive.
The Port Angeles Police Department and Clallam County Public Health Department have reported a combined 30 opioid overdose reversals, or saves, since they began to administer naloxone in separate pilot programs last year.
Kilmer in February urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand grants and programs that make naloxone more available in rural areas like the North Olympic Peninsula.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
