Sen. Murray Announces Washington State to Receive $11 Million to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Opioid addiction devastates families and communities throughout Washington state, and nationwide

Senator Murray led the fight in Senate to secure $1 billion in opioid funding in 21^st Century Cures Act

(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, today applauded the approval of an over $11 million investment to combat the opioid epidemic in Washington state. The investment was provided through the 21^st Century Cures Act, which President Obama signed into law in December 2016 and invests in a wide range of health care priorities. After listening to patients and advocates around Washington state about the need to address the epidemic, Senator Murray led the fight to secure $1 billion in funding to combat opioid addition in the 21^st Century Cures Act.

“I’m pleased states and communities are receiving the resources they need to combat the opioid epidemic. After hearing from patients, families, and community leaders around our state who are struggling with the devastating impacts of opioid addiction, I was proud to lead the fight in the Senate to fund state programs to tackle this crisis head on,” said Senator Murray. “Too many in Washington state are struggling with this addiction, and with this funding, our state can work to prevent opioid misuse and help those struggling with addition get the treatment they need.”

The 21^st Century Cures Act provides $1 billion over the next two fiscal years to support state-level response to the opioid epidemic, with priority placed on hardest-hit states. Washington state applied for the grant in February and plans to use the funding on prevention efforts including strengthening the state’s prescription drug monitoring program, and expanding treatment and recovery programs, including for those in underserved communities.