(BOSTON) – “Community Catalyst applauds the U.S. Senate for passing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA) in a 94-1 vote. This bipartisan bill will help our communities address the troubling rise in heroin use and misuse of prescription opioids that has led to addiction and tragic overdose deaths across the country.

“CARA is a landmark bill that tackles addiction by addressing the health care needs of consumers. CARA employs four important strategies: youth-focused prevention, evidence-based treatment, coordination with the criminal justice system and recovery supports. We appreciate that CARA leverages the power of local organizations to implement these strategies. This bill provides much-needed resources to treatment providers, local law enforcement and community-based organizations to address the drug and alcohol programs in their own communities.

“CARA is a crucial step forward, but there is still work ahead. We are continuing this momentum in partnership with state-based advocates and national partners to urge passage of CARA by the U.S. House of Representatives and to secure a signature from President Obama.

“We are grateful for the leadership of the bill authors, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), original sponsors Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and the Judiciary Committee leadership, Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Senator Leahy (D-VT) for prioritizing this crucial issue.”