Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) reintroduced the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act, legislation that helps colleges and universities prevent alcohol and substance misuse and make sure students have access to recovery support when they need it.

“College is a place for new experiences, where students can learn, grow, and build their futures. Yet too many students face substance misuse without access to prevention programs, mental health care, or recovery services,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “Our students need resources to help them stay healthy and stay in school. This legislation supports programs that are based on science and managed with love to support students and strengthen campus communities.”

The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act amends the Higher Education Act to support evidence-based and evidence-informed programs on college campuses. The bill helps institutions prevent illegal substance use, reduce misuse, improve public health, and improve campus safety while promoting collaboration between colleges, state agencies, and health providers.

The legislation also directs the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to work together to identify and promote successful programs. It authorizes $15 million annually to help colleges and universities implement proven solutions, including early screening, peer support, counseling, recovery services, and re-entry assistance.

“As elected officials, it’s important that we give families confidence that their children will have the support they need as many of them leave home for the first time,” said Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06). "Substance and alcohol misuse can impact anyone, and unfortunately, we’re seeing those challenges grow. I’m grateful to join with my colleagues once more to empower our education institutions to improve their prevention efforts and expand recovery resources for our students."

“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 (NH-01). “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 is endorsed by a broad coalition of educators, health professionals, advocacy organizations, and higher education institutions across New Mexico and the country.

"Reaching students on college campuses is critical to addressing mental health and substance use conditions, and ensuring they have access to appropriate and evidence-based care can make all the difference in a young adult's life," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "NAMI is proud to support the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act, which would invest in our nation's colleges and universities so they can expand and improve mental health supports and substance use disorder prevention for students across the country. Early intervention is key to improving a person's long-term outcomes, and we thank Representative Leger Fernández for prioritizing this critical part of our population."

“College should be a time for growth and opportunity, not a struggle to access the care and support students need.” said Whitney Holland, President of the American Federations of Teachers - New Mexico. “The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services Act invests in evidence-based programs that save lives, strengthen campus communities, and ensure that no student is left behind because of substance misuse or a lack of recovery services. By providing campuses with the tools and resources to integrate prevention, mental health, and recovery support, students can stay healthy, remain in school, and achieve success.”

“This powerful legislation helps address a major obstacle for college student success:  substance misuse. ACHA, the recognized voice for college student health and well-being, applauds and supports efforts such as Rep. Leger Fernández's to reduce the misuse of alcohol and other physically and emotionally damaging behaviors. Thank you, Rep.  Leger Fernández, for reintroducing this previously House-passed, bipartisan legislation,” said James Wilkinson, CEO of the American College Health Association.

Endorsing Organizations:

• National Council for Mental Wellbeing

• American Federation of Teachers – NM (AFT-NM)

• American College Health Association (ACHA)

• National Hispanic Health Foundation

• American Psychological Association Services

• National Association of Secondary School Principals

• ACPA-College Student Educators International

• Santa Fe Community College

• San Juan College

• New Mexico State University

• Northern New Mexico College

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• University of New Mexico (UNM)

• Trust for America's Health

• Clovis Community College

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Full text of the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act is available HERE.

Rep. Leger Fernández’s Campus Prevention and Recovery Service for Students Act will be 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. 

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