Pontiac Times

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain expressed her support following the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation aims to tackle the ongoing opioid epidemic affecting many communities.

"The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities across Michigan. Renewing this legislation reaffirms our commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to combat this crisis, support those in recovery, and save lives," stated Chairwoman McClain.

The bill seeks to renew and enhance programs from the original SUPPORT Act, signed into law in 2018 by President Trump. These programs have been crucial in supplying states with resources to manage opioid use disorder through prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

Key elements of the bill include establishing a federal interagency working group on fentanyl contamination in illegal drugs, strengthening state prescription drug monitoring programs, encouraging workforce participation among individuals in recovery, and continuing support for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers.

Michigan has experienced over 11,000 opioid overdose deaths since 2018. Chairwoman McClain co-chairs the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. Before her congressional role, she contributed to founding Macomb County's Drug Court, which aids individuals battling alcohol and drug addictions by connecting them with rehabilitation services.