Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force Co-Chairs Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced legislation to commemorate August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day.

“Far too many families across our nation, including in my district, have felt the devastating impact of losing a loved one to an overdose. By formally recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, we honor the lives tragically cut short, shine a light on the grief and resilience of families left behind, and recommit ourselves to advancing solutions that save lives. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan effort and ensuring that every person affected by the addiction crisis knows that they are not alone,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

“Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy—and a call to act. Here in Bucks and Montgomery counties, I’ve sat with families who carry this pain, and it is their stories and voices that drive my work every day. From securing federal resources for prevention and treatment, to advancing bipartisan solutions that expand access to care and support recovery, this fight has been and will remain one of my top priorities. By commemorating Overdose Awareness Day, we not only remember those we’ve lost—we renew our charge to press forward until every family is supported, every life is protected, and this epidemic is ended,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

In 2024, more than 80,000 Americans lost their lives to a drug overdose. While that figure represents a nearly 27 percent decline from the previous year, fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids continue to fuel the epidemic, with 90 percent of overdose deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The resolution introduced today, in advance of National Recovery Month in September, honors those lives lost, raises awareness of the ongoing crisis, and reaffirms the House of Representatives’ commitment to advancing evidence-based policies that prevent overdoses and support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

The Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force was created in 2021 through the merger of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, then led by Representative Fitzpatrick and former Representative Annie Kuster (D-NH-02), and the Freshman Working Group on Addiction, founded by former Representative David Trone (D-MD-06). Over the past four years, the Task Force has convened stakeholders, partnered with experts, and advanced legislative solutions to address the root causes of the addiction crisis. Representatives Trahan and Pettersen were named Co-Chairs for the first time this year.

A copy of the legislation introduced today can be accessed HERE.

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