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Wenstrup Comments on Signing of SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, Highlights National Prescription Take-Back Day

Washington, October 24, 2018 | Ann Tumolo (202-225-3164)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Wenstrup (OH-02) released the following statement after President Trump signed H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. Congressman Wenstrup also urged Ohioans to observe National Prescription Take-Back Day by visiting a collection site to properly dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to support ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic:

“The signing of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act is another important step in our ongoing fight against the opioid crisis. It will help advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve addiction prevention, and bolster efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. However, this is just one part of our ongoing effort.

“We all have a role to play to help curb the opioid crisis. I encourage Ohioans to take the opportunity this Saturday to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, and educate their friends, families, and neighbors about the potential of abuse of these medications,” said Congressman Brad Wenstrup. 

Find a collection site near you by visiting: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6), includes provisions to:

  • Improve and expand access to treatment and recovery services.
  • Encourage non-addictive opioid alternatives to treat pain.
  • Provide grants for local communities to combat fentanyl.

Provisions specifically aimed at increasing safe drug-disposal include:

  • Authorize federal grants for states to increase participation of collectors for drug-disposal programs.
  • Require Medicare Advantage plans to provide cost-effective means for safe disposal of controlled substances.
  • Reduce the number of unused controlled substances at risk of diversion or misuse by allowing hospice employees to safely dispose these medications.

H.R. 6 includes legislation originating from the House Committee on Ways and Means, where Congressman Wenstrup serves.

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