Kiggans and Lee Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced that she and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) have introduced the bipartisan Treatment, Recovery, Education, Awareness and Training (TREAT) for Youth Act. This legislation reauthorizes a critical community-based program to support youth at risk of substance abuse before it expires at the end of this month.  

“With more Americans dying from drug overdoses than ever before, we need to do everything we can to reduce and prevent addiction among our nation’s children,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I’m proud to introduce the Treatment, Recovery, Education, Awareness, and Training (TREAT) for Youth Act with Congresswoman Susie Lee. Our bipartisan bill will help combat the devastating impact of substance use disorder by providing the resources needed to support prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for young Americans in our communities. As a mom of four, I will always fight for our nation’s children and ensure they live long, healthy lives.”  

“I’ve seen far too many children of my friends and fellow parents struggle with addiction and substance abuse. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to tackle this crisis and strengthen youth prevention and recovery programs,” said Congresswoman Lee. “When someone is in crisis, especially our youth, acting quickly to get them the help they need can save their life. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will take a major step forward in keeping our kids safe from substance abuse.” 

BACKGROUND 

The TREAT Youth Act protects and supports youth and families struggling with substance abuse by reauthorizing the soon-to-expire Preventing Youth Overdose: Treatment, Recovery, Education, Awareness and Training program under the Department of Health and Human Services through fiscal year 2028. Through this reauthorization, the strengthened program would provide grants to improve youth awareness of risks associated with fentanyl and opioids, increase access to medications for opioid use disorder, and train health care providers on best practices for supporting youth suffering from substance abuse. 

The full text of the TREAT for Youth Act here.

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