WASHINGTON, DC – While the battle against coronavirus continues, New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) are applauding the announcement of $28 million in federal funding to combat the opioid and substance misuse epidemic in 2020, according to a news release dated March 20. Pappas and Kuster, along with the entire New Hampshire delegation, have support of additional resources for New Hampshire. They have continuously advocated on behalf of New Hampshire’s treatment, healthcare, law enforcement and first responder communities.

“While we remain focused on addressing the life changing impacts of coronavirus here in New Hampshire, we cannot lose sight of our state’s addiction crisis,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Now more than ever we must support those who are struggling and need help the most, and these federal funds will allow the Granite State to keep up the fight and save lives.”

“New Hampshire has taken tremendous strides to tackle the opioid and substance misuse epidemic but there is much work that remains,” said Kuster the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force. “While our state responds to the COVID-19 public health crisis, our work must go on to support those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic as well. This funding is important to ensuring that the state has the resources it needs to take on this challenge. I will continue to work with our delegation to advocate for funding and policies that support New Hampshire’s response to COVID-19 and the substance misuse crisis.”

Kuster and Pappas have consistently advocated for robust opioid funding in the House of Representatives. Kuster led the charge in 2017 to push the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide New Hampshire with its fair share of opioid funding.