NoPAIN Act Dear Advocate: 2024 was another
Post# of 7941
Dear Advocate:
2024 was another banner year for Voices and our work to prevent opioid addiction before it starts. It couldn’t have happened without your support.
Late on Friday, December 20th of last year, Congress passed legislation to avert a government shutdown. Included in the final legislation that was signed by President Biden was a three-month spending agreement, disaster relief, and aid for farmers. Notably, neither reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act or many of the previously negotiated pieces of a health package made it into the final package. Providing funding for the government for the full year will be an early task for the 119th Congress.
On the other hand, 2024 saw a lot of notable progress. We saw CMS finalize the rules for the NOPAIN Act, which officially became law on January 1st. We saw the introduction of two new pieces of federal legislation designed to ensure access to non-addictive measures. One such measure – which ensured equal access to non-opioids at the pharmacy – garnered the support of nearly 80 members of Congress.
All of this work was made possible by the collective advocacy of this group, for which we are very grateful.
As you can see, there is still a lot to be done this year (and beyond). Voices hopes that you will continue to partner with us on areas of mutual interest and that, together, we can continue our fight to prevent opioid addiction by ensuring access to non-addictive solutions.
As we embark on this new year, 2025, all of us at Voices for Non-Opioid Choices hope you and your families had a safe, restful, healthy, and wonderful holiday. Now, let's get back to work and make this year even better than the last!
Best,
Chris Fox
Executive Director
www.nonopioidchoices.org