Peace Garden News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota has voted in favor of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which recently passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 366-57. This legislation aims to reauthorize programs focused on preventing, treating, and supporting recovery from opioid and other substance use disorders.

Fedorchak stated, “Every North Dakotan knows someone whose life has been touched by addiction. The SUPPORT Act builds on successful, commonsense policies from the first Trump administration to expand treatment, support recovery, and save lives.” She emphasized that by investing in prevention, education, and enforcement, communities can help families heal and reduce drug-related deaths.

The legislation includes measures to secure access to naloxone for first responders, enhance state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), increase treatment options for pregnant and postpartum women, encourage recovering individuals to join the workforce, and maintain resources for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers. Originally signed into law by President Trump in 2018 to combat the opioid epidemic, it has reportedly contributed to a decline in opioid overdose deaths from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024 according to provisional data from the CDC.

Led by Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Representative Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, the SUPPORT Act has garnered backing from over 160 substance use disorder treatment and recovery organizations nationwide.

Dr. Stephanie Dahl of the North Dakota Medical Association expressed support for efforts aimed at providing treatment for substance use disorders. “H.R. 2483 reauthorizes a crucial evidence-based program that is on track to curb the overdose epidemic by reducing deaths,” she said. “The program saves lives, and Rep. Fedorchak's support is appreciated.”

Mark J Hardy from the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy also praised provisions within the act that address concerns related to PDMPs. He noted appreciation for Representative Fedorchak’s advocacy regarding these issues.

Carl Young of Family Services Network Inc. highlighted how provisions related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) could positively impact families both in North Dakota and across the country. "This is truly an exciting moment for the North Dakota FASD Community," he remarked.

Advocates for Opioid Addiction Treatment (AOAT) acknowledged a significant decline in drug overdose deaths as reported by the CDC from September 2023 through September 2024. They credited this reduction partly to initiatives introduced under the bipartisan SUPPORT Act of 2018.