South Iowa News

Legislation spearheaded by U.S. Representative Zach Nunn aimed at bolstering recovery resources for individuals struggling with addiction has successfully passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This measure is part of the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025.

The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act, introduced earlier this year by Rep. Nunn and Rep. Brittany Pettersen, seeks to renew and enhance federal support for peer-led and community-based recovery programs nationwide.

“Too many Iowa families know the heartbreak of losing a loved one to addiction," stated Rep. Nunn. He highlighted the ongoing crisis despite recent declines in overdose deaths due to increased local resources and efforts at the southern border.

Rep. Nunn emphasized his pride in securing nearly $20 million for local addiction recovery initiatives through bipartisan support in the House.

In 2024, Iowa reported over 400 overdose deaths, while across the United States, more than 150 people die daily from synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a decline in nationwide overdose deaths due to various efforts, including federal investments via the 2018 SUPPORT Act and grassroots recovery programs.

The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act aims to build on these advancements by expanding funding for the Building Communities of Recovery program from $5 million to $17 million annually.

Rep. Nunn recently engaged with the Iowa Behavioral Health Association regarding this investment's significance for local organizations providing essential services such as housing, job training, and mental health assistance for those in recovery.