AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Sen. Susan Collins has joined the growing number of senators calling for passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
The measure would provide for additional prevention and education efforts aimed at the drug crisis and for additional resources to treat addicted jail inmates.
"It is clear Mr. President that we need to take a comprehensive approach to this epidemic and the bill before us is a vital step forward," Collins said today on the Senate floor.
The measure also would expand the availability of Naloxone nationally, along the lines of Maine law which allows law enforcement agencies and other first responders access to the antidote for drug overdoses.
The bill also aims to improve treatment programs and strengthen the prescription drug monitoring programs to help states monitor and track prescription drug diversion.