WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the prevalence and quality of long-term recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders and associated mental health disorders. The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act would bolster the existing Building Communities of Recovery program (BCOR), significantly increasing its ability to fund local community organizations or centers that champion the development, enhancement, expansion, and delivery of recovery support services.
“Too many Americans have a family member, friend, or someone they know who has struggled with opioid addiction. This crisis is devasting communities across the country and we need to act now to save lives,” said Rep. Nunn. “While we must do more to stop the flow of illegal drugs into this country, we also have a responsibility to support those currently battling addiction. Expanding access to local recovery resources will help individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen our communities.”
In 2021, drug overdose deaths outnumbered homicides by over 300%, with more than 150 Americans dying each day from synthetic opioids like fentanyl, including 398 overdose deaths in Iowa alone.
Rep. Nunn has led and supported several key initiatives to combat addiction and support recovery initiatives:
- Secured a federal investment of $750,000 for the Polk County Life Services Center to provide long-term recovery care.
- Supported key legislation to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities while also strengthening local enforcement and prevention efforts.
- Championed a bill last Congress that passed the House of Representatives to ensure servicemembers and veterans have access to counseling, peer support, and suicide prevention services.
The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act provides additional support to peer-led recovery services, housing, job training, and other community-based resources for those in recovery. By focusing on locally driven solutions, the bill ensures support systems are accessible and responsive to the unique needs of each community. Fighting the opioid crisis also means supporting mental health services and equipping local organizations with the tools they need to deliver results.
Full text of the bill can be found here.