Dr. Joyce: We Must Support Drug-Free Community Coalitions

Press Release

Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) introduced an amendment in today's Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Markup that would support community programs that are working to stop the spread of addiction and get patients on the road to recovery.

H.R. 654, the Drug Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act, would enhance the ability of community drug programs to receive grants to aid in their critical work. Dr. Joyce's amendment would streamline administration of the program for grantees and accelerate the arrival of needed relief funding, helping our law enforcement and frontline workers better assist the unique communities they serve.

"It has recently been reported that deaths from drug overdoses rose to over 93,000 nationwide last year representing almost a 30% increase from the year before. We must take an all hands on deck approach to reverse this deadly trend," said Dr. Joyce. "H.R. 654, the Drug Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act, would provide needed flexibility and relief for community coalitions participating in the Drug-Free Communities Support Program."

During the markup, Dr. Joyce highlighted the essential work being done by the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program, the Cambria County Drug Coalition, and the Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County. Their efforts to strengthen our community, including work to combat the flow of illegal drugs, improve care for substance use disorders, and enhance drug prevention and education initiatives are invaluable.

Watch Dr. Joyce's remarks here, a full transcript of his statement can be found below.

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Thank you, Mr. Chair, I speak today in support of my amendment which would simply raise the statuary cap on administrative costs for the Drug Free Communities program from 8 to 12% to allow for the more efficient management of the program.

It has recently been reported that deaths from drug overdoses rose to over 93,000 nationwide last year representing almost a 30% increase from the year before. We must take an all hands on deck approach to reverse this deadly trend.

HR 654 the Drug Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act, will provide needed flexibility and relief for community coalitions participating in the Drug-Free Communities Support Program that are on the frontlines right now helping those struggling with addiction and on the road to recovery.

The DFC program has been critical in bringing together broad community coalitions including law enforcement, public and private organizations and state and local governments to work towards a common goal.

In my district in Pennsylvania, the Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program, the Cambria County Drug Coalition and the Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County are all examples of this program's success.

This amendment will allow for the more efficient administration of this program to ensure needed funding is going directly into our communities quicker so we can face this crisis head on and together.

This change is supported by personnel at ONDCP and will be used for important functions such as, training and technical assistance for coalitions, providing outcome data and will ensure the program as a whole is more responsive to grantees.

I urge adoption and yield the balance of my time.

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