South Iowa News

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing opioid overdoses, spearheaded by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) and co-led with Representative Brittany Petterson (CO-07). The legislation passed with a vote of 386 to 37. The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act seeks to bolster long-term recovery support for individuals dealing with substance use disorders and related mental health issues by enhancing the Building Communities of Recovery program (BCOR). This initiative will significantly increase funding for local community organizations that provide recovery support services.

"Communities across the country continue to struggle with how to deal with the opioid epidemic. Too many Iowans know a family member or friend who is dealing with an addiction to opioids," stated Rep. Nunn. "We must do more to stop the flow of illegal drugs into this country, and we also need to help those suffering from addiction now. By passing this critical legislation, we will enhance support for community organizations that help people recover from addiction."

The issue of fatal overdoses due to opioids remains pressing, as drug overdose deaths in 2021 exceeded homicides by over 300%. Each day, more than 150 individuals succumb to overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. In Iowa alone, there were 398 overdose deaths in 2021.

BCOR is managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and supports nonprofit recovery community organizations or centers offering peer recovery support services led by individuals with personal experience in addiction and recovery. These centers assist individuals and families recovering from alcohol or drug dependency and collaborate with regional harm reduction efforts.

The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act proposes more than tripling BCOR's funding to $16 million annually through 2028. Initially introduced on June 16, 2023, the bill was passed as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. It now awaits Senate consideration.