The Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) community has borne witness to the damaging effects of opioid addiction for decades, and it is imperative for us to speak out on the changes needed to prevent and treat addiction and end overdose deaths. Currently the opioid issue is taking center stage in Washington, D.C., presenting a long-overdue window of opportunity for making improvements to our health care system.

There are more than 60 active proposals in Congress to address the epidemic, and more expected over the next few weeks. Congressional leaders are hoping to pass a large package of bills before August recess—NOW is the time to Take Action. The HCH community has significant expertise on this issue—let’s use it to leverage change nationally, and back at home.

Here’s How We Can Engage:

See examples of events held in Boston and Cape Cod:

Example: A Statement from the Catholic Health Association of the United States: Needle Exchange: The Moral Framework for a Global Problem

Go Further

Interested in learning more about public policy issues related to homelessness and health care reform and how you can get involved to help spur constructive policy change? If you haven't yet, sign up for our Mobilizer action alert.