Luján, Cornyn Reintroduce Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen Substance Use Disorder Recovery and Expand Workforce

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have reintroduced two critical pieces of legislation to strengthen recovery services for people struggling with substance use disorders, as well as expand the addiction medicine workforce.

“I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Cornyn to expand substance use disorder recovery services and strengthen the treatment workforce,” said Senator Luján. “Substance use disorder remains a serious issue in New Mexico, and this legislation will help by training more professionals, investing in peer recovery services, and expanding training opportunities. These are essential steps for delivering effective, long-term solutions and supporting the well-being of our community.”

The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act: This legislation supports peer support services by reauthorizing grant programs that allow organizations to develop and enhance peer recovery and general recovery support while fostering collaboration with other harm reduction entities. As the U.S. faces a severe behavioral health crisis, exacerbated by an epidemic of substance use disorders (SUD), this legislation aims to address recovery and rehabilitation efforts. 

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

Improving Access to Addiction Medicine Providers Act: This legislation will amend the Public Health Service Act to expand the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), allowing fellowships to be awarded for training professionals in the addiction medicine field. This bill will help address workforce shortages and ensure culturally competent care for diverse communities affected by substance use disorders.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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