Last week, the U.S. House passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act to reauthorize community-based programs to support those facing substance use disorders, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania.
Included in the bill was the bipartisan Protecting Moms and Infants Reauthorization Act, led by Gluesenkamp Perez and Rep. Young Kim, R-California, in the 118th Congress to provide resources for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.
The resources include residential drug addiction treatment and recovery planning, parenting training, mental health counseling, and harm reduction interventions, the release stated.
“In Southwest Washington, we have a culture that values children and understands the role strong families have in national strength,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “A painful reality is that many unplanned pregnancies occur in communities hit hard by the fentanyl crisis. Supporting moms who are doing the difficult work of escaping addiction and providing a safe and healthy life for their newborns is one of the best investments we can make pound for pound. I’m proud to stand with these moms and fight for the support they need in doing this critical work.”
The legislation previously passed the House in the 118th Congress.
