We’ve Made Progress in the Fight Against Opioids, We’re Not Done Yet

The epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction is a public health crisis that hurts every state in our country, and every region of Maryland. Facing this challenge goes beyond law enforcement and must include treatment centers, prevention, addressing overdoses and providing support for those in or seeking recovery. A comprehensive approach requires the federal government work as an active partner with our states, providing adequate resources to address the current and emerging trends in opioid and heroin abuse.

Today, I voted to pass the The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 (CARA). CARA is a promising step forward in addressing our nation’s opioid and heroin crisis, but it doesn’t back up promised support with federal funding for state-led treatment, prevention and law enforcement programs. Despite bipartisan efforts to create a comprehensive framework for stemming the current wave of use and abuse, an amendment to add $600 million in emergency funding that would directly aid health and law enforcement professionals who are on the front lines of the addiction battle was blocked on party-line votes. My hope is that we can better address the funding for these programs in the future; we cannot allow our commitment to public health to be stymied by partisan gridlock.

Drug overdose deaths have exceeded car crashes as the number one cause of injury death in the United States. Each day 120 Americans die of drug overdoses; two deaths every hour. According to the CDC, 1,070 people in Maryland died of drug overdoses in 2014. In 2014, 17.4 out of every 100,000 deaths could be traced to drug overdoses in Maryland. Drug overdose deaths rose by 19.2% from 2013 to 2014 in Maryland.

According to SAMHSA, a total of 223,000 people in Maryland used prescription pain medications for non-medical purposes in 2014, including 21,000 youth (ages 12–17). In 2014, 123,000 Maryland residents needed treatment for illegal drug use but failed to receive it, including 16,000 youth (ages 12–17).

I offered a number of amendments that were not included in CARA. I hope to have the chance to have them considered by the Senate very soon.

Cardin-Cornyn Amendment 3421: Allowing Grants for 24/7 Treatment Centers

Improving access to behavioral health care — meaning both mental health and substance abuse treatment — is essential to combating this epidemic. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than half of individuals with substance use disorders also have at least one serious mental health condition. There is often a small window of opportunity for getting an individual with substance abuse or mental health issues into treatment. If treatment cannot be provided on demand, often the opportunity is lost. Allowing grants for the establishment and support of 24/7 treatment centers providing behavioral health services on demand will help ensure those in need have access to behavioral health services at the time they need them.

Cardin Amendment 3359: GAO Report on Naloxone Price Increase

Cardin amendment 3359, would require a GAO study on the recent dramatic increase in the price of naloxone. Watch Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen explain why naloxone is so important and why price spikes are so concerning.

Naloxone is a life-saving drug that is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. However, according to the Baltimore City Health Department, the cost per dose in Baltimore has quadrupled over the past two years. This GAO study would also evaluate the impact on the ability of states and local health departments to reduce the number of deaths due to opioid overdose.

Today, I thank my colleagues for acting on this legislation in a bipartisan fashion. Tomorrow, I look forward to exploring more ways to get people the treatment and services they need.