Vilsack responds to passage of 21st Century Cures Act | Courtesy of Shutterstock
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Keri Carbaugh | Dec 17, 2016

Vilsack responds to passage of 21st Century Cures Act

The U.S. Senate approved the 21st Century Cures Act last week, on Dec. 7, in part to help combat the heroin and opioid epidemic that is sweeping the country.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently commented on the passage, expressing his optimism and approval.

“The 21st Century Cures Act includes $1 billion over two years -- including $500 million in 2017 -- to prevent opioid misuse and expand access to treatment for individuals with drug misuse disorders,” Vilsack said.

He continued by pointing out that the crisis disproportionally impacts rural parts of the U.S.

“These additional resources are particularly critical in rural areas, where rates of opioid misuse and overdose are high, access to treatment is limited and patients who seek treatment are often met with waitlists that can mean the difference between life and death,” Vilsack said. “Having met with families across the country that have been impacted by the effects of the epidemic, and having experienced addiction firsthand in my own family, I know how important it is to provide people a second chance and an opportunity to get on the path to recovery.”

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