Senator Collins’ Substance Use and Mental Illness Provisions Signed into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The President signed into law theSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill that strengthens prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness. The legislation contains several provisions authored and supported by Senator Collins.
“The opioid and mental health crises continue to devastate families and communities nationwide, including right here in Maine. This bill expands the options and resources available for local communities to support individuals battling addiction and mental illness,”said Senator Collins.“I’d like to congratulate my friend and colleague Senator Cassidy for his leadership that was instrumental in getting this billsigned into law. I’m especially proud that several of my provisions, which support recovery, research, maternal and child health, and loan repayment for substance use disorder professionals, are included in this legislation.”
Several provisions championed by Senator Collins that will directly benefit Mainers are included in this law:
The SUPPORT Act also strengthens workforce training for first responders, protects the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline from cybersecurity threats, and helps individuals in recovery reenter the workforce.
Last year, Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee,securedmore than $23 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs and facilities in Maine through the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.
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