Stories from Tennessee
Now’s your chance to let Congress know you’re passionate about CARA!
Both the Senate and House have passed versions of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Conferees from both bodies are currently meeting in what’s known as “conference” to finalize one bill that will go to the President’s desk for signature and passage into law.
It’s critically important that the conferees hear from you as soon as possible! These policy leaders must understand how important a comprehensive addiction response is in their home state.
Share a link to this story (or tweet your own!) with U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (Tennessee) on Twitter: @SenAlexander. If you’re not on Twitter, share your story with us here.
“My son has battled opiate addiction for 9 years now, and after much family turmoil, health problems, and being treated like a lowlife criminal by the justice system, my son is now on Medication Assisted Treatment with suboxone. He is able to hold down a job and has just started trying to rebuild his life. He has aged off of my health insurance, and has to pay so much for treatment (an amount that would nearly equal his rent), probation fees, and medication, that he is barely able to stay afloat, even with help from his family.
I am so thankful that my son is still alive and is not on the streets searching for drugs. I am also very realistic in knowing that without support, and with the stress of trying to keep going with the financial burdens and the stigmas of the healthcare system, that a relapse is likely. I would like to be part of the solution. Thank you for your efforts.” -Julie Young |Greenville, TN
