Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks M.D. (IA-02) passed The House in her latest bi-partisan legislation that would reauthorize key programs to address the mental health and substance use disorder crises.
Her bills, apart of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope For Mental Health and Well Being Act, would increase access to treatment for Americans suffering from opioid use disorder by revising opioid treatment program criteria.
The criteria in question limits patients to receive help only if they have been addicted for at least one year before being admitted for treatment, a policy Miller-Meeks advocates is unjustified to victims of the opioid crisis.
“I am proud to see two of my bipartisan bills pass the House tonight. Over the last two years, communities across the country have seen a serious rise in opioid overdoses and a serious decline in the mental health of our students. Sadly, Iowa has been no exception to these crises,” said Miller-Meeks. “Both of my bills, as well as the larger package, will bring immediate help to Iowans in need. I will continue to work to find solutions for Americans struggling with opioid use disorder and mental health issues and get them the help they need.”
The second bill included The Supporting Children’s Mental Health Care Access Act, which would reauthorize funding for children’s mental health and help address adolescent mental health exaverated by the COVID19 pandemic.
Both bills will hopefully bring the immediate help that Iowans need suffering under the opioid epidemic.
