Leger Fernández Introduces the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2024The bill would fund college prevention and recovery services at $75 million over five years.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), David Trone (MD-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Lucy McBath (GA-07) 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.
Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), David Trone (MD-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Lucy McBath (GA-07) 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 “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.” “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.” The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act:
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.” “Through both education and critically needed support for our students in higher education, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act will enhance collaboration among departments of health and our higher education institutions in combating alcohol and substance misuse,” Whitney Holland, President, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico said. “Equipping our students with knowledge to make informed decisions respects them as young adults while working to provide them the tools to make healthy choices. We thank Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez for being a strong champion for the health and wellbeing of our campus communities.” “On behalf of the American College Health Association (ACHA), I express support and thanks for Congresswoman Leger Fernández's Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act. This legislation represents a significant opportunity to advance the health, safety, and well-being of emerging adults across our nation’s college and university campuses. As an organization focused on the health and well-being of the higher education community, we recognize the growing need for comprehensive prevention and recovery services to address the myriad challenges that students face, including substance use disorders and mental health issues. We thank Rep. Leger Fernández for leading in this necessary work and encourage her fellow Members to support the bill and provide federal funding needed to assist in its proper implementation,” said James Wilkinson, MA CAE, CEO, American College Health Association (ACHA). Endorsing Organizations:
Rep. Leger Fernández’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. |