WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced a bipartisan resolution acknowledging the contributions of Addiction Professionals across the country who deliver quality, effective care to their patients and supporting evidenced-based care for those working to overcome addiction. Dave introduced this resolution alongside his colleague, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13).

“As a representative from one of the states hit hardest by the opioid crisis, I know how critical it is for our communities to have access to the full range of treatment and recovery services needed to effectively tackle addiction,” said Dave. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution alongside my good friend and fellow Buckeye, Congressman Tim Ryan, to not only raise awareness about all that addiction professionals do to provide life-saving treatment to their patients, but also to help build a workforce that can mitigate the threats addiction continues to pose in our communities.” 

“As the Co-Chair of the Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, I have a keen understanding of the devastation caused by substance abuse, especially the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged too many lives, families and communities across the country. And it’s our addiction professionals who are on the front lines providing high quality, evidenced-based care to those affected by this public health crisis. I am proud to join Congressman Dave Joyce in honoring and recognizing America’s addiction professionals whose unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to their patients are saving lives every day,” said Congressman Ryan.

The addiction professional workforce represents more than 100,000 counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals. By recognizing their critical contributions, this resolution not only increases awareness about recovery services, but also supports the knowledge, training, competencies, and credentials needed to deliver quality, life-saving care to those struggling with addiction. Organizations that have endorsed the resolution include: The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), Addiction Policy Forum, National Association of Addiction Treatment Professionals (NAATP), and the Northeast Ohio Hospital Opioid Consortium.

“Our communities need and deserve access to the most effective treatment and recovery services available to meet the complex issues of substance use disorders,” said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, Executive Director of NAADAC. “This resolution acknowledges the key role Addiction Professionals play in delivering comprehensive care for individuals with addiction and substance use disorders. Recognizing the requisite knowledge, training, competencies, and credentials for delivering quality, effective substance use disorder counseling is critical in recruiting the next generation of Addiction Professionals. As the national professional association representing the interests of addiction counselors, educators, and addiction-focused health professionals, NAADAC proudly supports the resolution and commends its authors for their commitment to improving the nation’s treatment and recovery services for individuals, families and communities.”

With 130 Americans dying every day from an opioid overdose, Dave has made finding solutions to the opioid crisis one of his top priorities in Congress. Earlier this year, Dave introduced the Comprehensive Opioid Program Extension (COPE) Act of 2019, which supports Ohio’s local communities as they carry out their life-saving work at the front lines of this epidemic by increasing authorized resources available for the Department of Justice’s comprehensive opioid abuse reduction activities. Organizations that have endorsed the COPE Act include but are not limited to: Cleveland Clinic, National Sheriffs’ Association, Addiction Policy Forum, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, Fraternal Order of Police and the Northeast Ohio Hospital Opioid Consortium.

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