Hassan, Shaheen & Pappas Participate in Roundtable Discussion on Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Efforts with ONDCP Director Gupta

MANCHESTER – Today, U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) participated in a roundtable with Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director, Dr. Rahul Gupta, to discuss substance use prevention and treatment efforts in New Hampshire. During the roundtable, the Laconia Police Department provided an overview of their Prevention, Enforcement and Treatment (PET) program and the Manchester Police Department presented updates on the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) Enhancement Project, which provides services to children exposed to trauma, including substance use, domestic violence and sexual assault.

The expansion of these two programs resulted from a recent $4.6 million U.S. DOJ Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program (COSSAP) grant for the NH Department of Justice. Senators Hassan and Shaheen sent a letter in support of the application.

“The substance misuse epidemic continues to ravage New Hampshire families and communities, and it is vital that we continue our state’s all-hands-on-deck approach, where we bring together law enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders to tackle this crisis,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m proud to have secured significant federal funding for our state’s response to this crisis, and I am glad that Director Gupta joined us in the Granite State to discuss how these resources are helping to connect people who are struggling with substance misuse to life-saving resources. I’ll keep working with members of both parties to expand substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services in our state.”

“Rates of substance use are alarmingly high in New Hampshire and across the country, especially in the wake of the pandemic. ONDCP Director Gupta’s visit to the Granite State today was an important opportunity to discuss support for organizations and law enforcement that are leading efforts around prevention and treatment options,” said Senator Shaheen. “I also appreciated hearing updates from programs working on the frontlines of this crisis, like ACERT in Manchester and the Laconia Police PET model which has expanded to other communities. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to finally turn the tide on this epidemic, and I’ll continue working with the administration and local organizations to support families impacted by addiction.”  

“No New Hampshire family has been untouched by the addiction crisis. And we know there’s no silver bullet. We won’t solve this entirely on the treatment side, and we won’t solve this completely on the enforcement side. We need to see collaboration at all levels to take on this crisis and save lives,” said Congressman Pappas. “One thing is clear: community-driven programs like ACERT and PET are working and paying huge dividends. I’m committed to fighting for continued federal investment in these and other efforts around prevention, enforcement, and treatment for individuals experiencing substance use disorder and their families.”

Hassan and Shaheen have led efforts in Congress to combat the substance use disorder epidemic and support affected families. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen also fought to secure $750,000 for the enhancement of ACERT infrastructure and training resources for law enforcement and first responders in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 funding legislation that was signed into law in March. Shaheen previously introduced the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act, which would provide federal resources for communities to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma.

Earlier this morning, Senators Hassan and Shaheen and Representative Pappas joined the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Association for their 30th Annual NH Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony in Concord. The ceremony honored the courageous service members who’ve protected and defended our nation, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This full event can be viewed here.

“Law enforcement officers in New Hampshire serve valiantly to keep our communities safe. Each day, these men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and they are on the front lines of some of the biggest challenges facing our state,” said Senator Hassan. “I was honored to join with the law enforcement community today for the 30th Annual New Hampshire Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony to remember those brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families. I will continue working to ensure that New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers and their families have the support and resources that they need.” 

“I was honored to participate in the 30th Annual New Hampshire Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony in Concord today. This ceremony paid tribute to Granite Staters who’ve bravely fought to defend our country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Granite State is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our incredible service members, and I’ll continue working in the Senate to make sure they have access to the resources and services they need.”

“Our law enforcement officials put their lives on the line every single day to serve us. I was honored to be at the Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial today to recognize those who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Congressman Pappas. “We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and my thoughts are with their loved ones and families.”

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