AAMC Endorses Bill to Reauthorize SAMHSA Grant Program

The AAMC sent an Oct. 21 letter to lawmakers in support of the Closing the Substance Use Care GapAct (PDF). Introduced by Reps. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), this bill would reauthorize and expand the Harm Reduction Grant Program administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The letter described the important role of harm reduction programs in preventing overdoses and expanding access to treatment, noting "our members have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic and other SUDs on patients, families, and communities. While the nation has made strides in addressing these challenges, more robust efforts are necessary to meet the demand for care. Evidence-based harm reduction strategies, such as overdose prevention programs, play an important role in preventing deaths, reducing spread of infectious diseases, and connecting people to treatment."