Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) released the following statement after he voted in support of the bipartisan Restoring Hope for Mental Health Well-Being Act of 2022, which includes Rep. Wenstrup’s ALTO Reauthorization Act of 2021 to combat substance use disorder:

"After pandemic lockdowns, increasing violence in our cities and our schools, and the tragedy of opioid addiction, I am pleased that Congress is working in a bipartisan manner to fund critically-needed mental health services. I am proud  to see that the package includes my bill, the Alternatives to Opioids in the Emergency Department (ALTO) Reauthorization Act of 2021," said Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-Ohio.) "The goal of the ALTO program is to give physicians specialized training in alternative pain management protocols in order to reduce the administration of opioids in the emergency department and other acute care settings. Given that one of the most common reasons people come to an emergency room is for pain, this program can make a critical difference in what is a severe crisis in our country, particularly in my district in Ohio. A new report shows national drug overdoses, mostly from opioids, hit an all-time high last year.

"As a physician and a member of the Ways and Means Committee’s Rural and Underserved Communities Health Task Force, it is important to me that this bill also funds programs for children struggling with anxiety and stress, as well as those suffering from mental health crises and substance abuse disorders. The support this bill provides to community mental health services in small and rural school districts is much needed. 

"I am glad to see that Congress is implementing a 360-degree approach to what ails our country and is responding to the mental health and opioid crises by directing funds accordingly," said Rep. Wenstrup. 

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