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Bill Led by Congressman Kim to Highlight Dangers of Synthetic Opioids Passes Key Committee

July 21, 2021

Bill Led by Congressman Kim to Highlight Dangers
of Synthetic Opioids Passes Key Committee

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved H.R. 2364, the Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) that would help raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic opioids. The bill, which will next go to the House Floor for a final vote, comes in the wake of a CDC report that more than 93,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2020; a nearly 30 percent increase from 2019.

"The epidemic of overdose deaths in our country impacts every community and so many of our families. We have to do everything we can to make our neighbors aware of the dangers of synthetic opioids, which have contributed greatly to this crisis," said Congressman Kim. "I'm proud to see this bill take an important step to passage today and will continue to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to see it passed into law."

If enacted, the Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act would direct CDC to conduct a public education campaign that raises public awareness of the dangers of synthetic opioids and explains the services available with respect to opioid treatment. The bill would also require the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to make materials for first responders (and other highly exposed workers) on synthetic opioid exposure prevention measures publicly accessible on their website.

The bill was introduced with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and is endorsed by organizations on the front lines of the fight against synthetic opioids including the National Council for Behavioral Health, Shatterproof, U.S. First Responders Association, National Association of State EMS Officials, and International Association of Fire Fighters.

"The abundance of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids on American streets remains a serious threat to fire fighters and emergency medical responders," said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. "From my many years as a Boston fire fighter, I know just how easy it is for fire fighters to inadvertently come into contact with these deadly substances on the job. Continuing education on fentanyl and synthetic opioids is essential for the safety of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF supports Representative Kim's Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act, and we thank him for his leadership on this critical issue."

In his first term in Congress, Congressman Kim helped deliver $500 million in funding to develop new treatments for those with opioid and addiction issues, met with local leaders and families dealing with the opioid epidemic, and held a town hall meeting to discuss potential solutions for New Jersey. Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.