Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) strongly advocates for prioritizing a comprehensive approach to addiction and recovery in the reorganization of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As the nation faces an ongoing substance use crisis, it is crucial that the restructured HHS focuses on addressing substance use disorder (SUD) to ensure comprehensive support for affected individuals and families. The recovery community is deeply concerned that substance use disorder was not addressed in the recent announcement about restructuring HHS.
SUD is a complex public health challenge that requires a coordinated response. The reorganization of HHS presents an opportunity to enhance the agency's capacity to address SUD through integrated services, increased funding, and innovative approaches to treatment and recovery. By prioritizing SUD, HHS can lead the way in developing policies that promote prevention, early intervention, and sustained recovery.
As a country, we’ve made significant progress in reducing overdose deaths; we must maintain and accelerate our efforts. There is a pressing need for our government leaders to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and that their needs are met. This includes maintaining and expanding access to evidence-based treatment and peer recovery support services. Without a dedicated focus on SUD, the reorganization could result in fragmented services and reduced support for those in need.
OCAAR stands ready to work with the administration to recognize the critical importance of addressing SUD within the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). We urge the administration to allocate sufficient resources and attention to this issue, ensuring that the reorganization strengthens, rather than weakens, the nation's response to the substance use crisis. By prioritizing SUD, HHS can improve public health outcomes and support the recovery journey of countless individuals and families across the country.
Act Now: Call your elected officials and tell them to protect recovery funding! Find your elected officials here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials