Concord, NH – Three bills were signed today as part of a comprehensive approach to address the heroin and opioid crisis in New Hampshire.
“As sponsor of both SB 369 and SB 532, I am pleased to see these important measures become law in the State of New Hampshire,” said Senator Nancy Stiles (R-Hampton). “We know that education is an essential element that supports prevention, and by proving age-appropriate lessons for students each year beginning in Kindergarten, we reinforce the dangers of using heroin and opioids and hope to reduce the chances students will misuse these substances. In addition, by removing prior authorization requirements, we provide immediate access to substance abuse treatment at the critical moments when an addict reaches out for help.”
“These bills are essential elements of the larger, comprehensive approach our state is taking to curb this crisis and I am thankful for all of the input and support they have received,” said Stiles.
“These measures are designed to address prevention and treatment, from strengthening drug and alcohol education in schools, updating opioid prescriber rules, to reducing the time an individual must wait to begin addiction treatment,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley. “These changes, along with numerous others, will tackle some of the most critical elements of the heroin crisis, and will serve to curb the crisis taking lives of New Hampshire citizens each day.”
“While the heroin crisis still exists, we hope these changes will significantly reduce the prevalence of this epidemic in our state. I want to thank everyone from public health professionals, to my fellow legislators, parents of children suffering from addiction, addicts in recovery, to treatment providers and our first responders for their determination, forward thinking and cooperation on this legislation.”
Photo: Senator Nancy Stiles (R-Hampton) discussed SB 369, a bill she sponsored that would require age- appropriate substance abuse prevention education in schools.
Background:
- SB 369, requiring public schools to include drug and alcohol education as part of their health
education curriculum
- SB 532, relative to prior authorization for substance use treatment
- HB 1423, relative to rulemaking for prescribing controlled drugs
