Duluth, GA — Today, U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-07), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), David Trone (MD-06), and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act to help higher education institutions implement programs to prevent alcohol and substance misuse on campus and support those with substance use disorders. If passed, the bill would fund college prevention and recovery services at $75 million over five years.
The bill is part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats’ campaign to reform America’s higher education system for students and families.
“We owe it to families to provide strong support systems for their children who are navigating life away from home for the first time,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “Alcohol and substance misuse does not discriminate and troublingly, the rate of these instances is on the rise. I am very proud to join with my colleagues yet again to champion this effort which will help our institutions of higher education implement programs to prevent substance abuse and support the recovery of students with substance use disorders.”
“Addiction is painful for everyone involved. Families suffer when we lose loved ones to overdose. College students too often find themselves isolated and without the support network to help when addiction and alcoholism creep in. I never want to see another headline of a promising young person lost to overdose,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “My bill will fund prevention and recovery services on college campuses across the United States that are based on science and managed with love. This is a critical step to support young Americans – ensuring a healthy and safe campus environment.”
“The opioid crisis has ruthlessly swept through our nation targeting everyone in its path, including those on college campuses,” said Rep. Congressman David Trone, co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “Students and college presidents in Maryland are struggling to get the resources to address substance use disorder on their campuses, especially on the heels of a pandemic when many students were already grappling with mental health challenges. This legislation meets the moment to provide much-needed funding and provide our students with the help they need.”
“A comprehensive approach to confronting the addiction epidemic must include both prevention efforts and recovery services as well as a focus on young people,” said Rep. Chris Pappas. “This bill provides critical steps forward by bringing evidence-informed treatment to our colleges and universities to educate students on substance misuse and help those working to overcome substance use disorder. The addiction crisis is deeply personal for New Hampshire families, and I will continue supporting efforts that address its root causes, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure individuals in need receive proper support to recover.”
The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act:
- Promotes evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies on college campuses.
- Encourages integration and collaboration in campus-based health services to address substance use and mental health.
- Requires the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and promote successful programs.
- Revitalizes a grant program to help institutions implement programs.
Read the full bill text HERE.
“Young adults are grappling with increasing rates of mental health and substance use challenges, yet far too often institutions of higher education lack the resources to support them,” National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “We commend this effort to fund critical treatment and recovery services, along with peer support and training to help faculty, staff and students recognize and respond to those who are in distress. This legislation would provide campus-based health centers with additional resources to support the students who rely on them for care.”
Endorsing Organizations:
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT-NM)
- American College Health Association (ACHA)
- National Hispanic Health Foundation
- National Education Association
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- American Psychological Association Services
- Trust for America’s Health
Rep. McBath’s Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats’ campaign to reform America’s higher education system for students and families. The “roadmap” brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and—once students are in school—providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.