Davids, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Tackle Youth Opioid Use

Statement

Today, Representative Sharice Davids introduced bipartisan legislation to address the ongoing opioid crisis among youth by expanding prevention programs and improving mental health supports for student athletes. The Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act is led by Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), and Representative Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) along with Davids. The Senate companion legislation is being led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

The CDC found that 14 percent of high school students reported misusing prescription opioids, and student athletes often have greater access to prescription opioids due to sports-related injuries. Studies have shown that student athletes are more likely to be prescribed and to end up abusing prescription painkillers. This legislation will help educate students and train athletic directors, youth sports coaches, school administrators, and other members of the athletic community on the signs and dangers of opioid and substance misuse, as well as strategies for prevention.

"The danger of opioids in our communities, especially among young people, is a real threat that has touched far too many Kansas families. It is our duty to protect our students, particularly those who have greater exposure to prescription opioids, like our student athletes," said Davids. "This bill would direct resources towards support for those more susceptible groups, particularly for mental health and substance abuse prevention. I will always fight for the safety of our kids and our communities."

"When it comes to the opioid epidemic ravaging America's communities, I fight for families like those in my district who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. As we all watch in awe of the exceptional, dedicated student athletes who compete across the nation, we're fighting to take better care of our student athletes when they aren't competing," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). "It starts with educating our educators, coaches, students, and athletic communities. Athletes tend to be exposed to opioids at a young age due to injury, which can lead to dangerous experimenting and long-term disorders. That's why I'm leading a bipartisan, bicameral effort to provide federal investment for opioid misuse education and prevention programs -- to help address the problems before they start."

"Sports offer tremendous benefits to young athletes, yet it's no surprise to learn that their participation puts them at greater risk for injury and exposure to opioids," said Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH). "We need to take steps that ensure student athletes recognize the risks of opioids and make smart decisions when injuries occur. This legislation does just that, and I'm pleased to support its introduction alongside my colleagues."

"Opioid abuse has become an epidemic in this nation and has negatively impacted the health and well-being of our younger generation," said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). "As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to protect our children and student-athletes from harmful substances and prescriptions. I urge my colleagues to join me in the fight to protect our children and eradicate opioid use."

This legislation would create a grant program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to address opioid and drug use rates among student athletes at all school levels. This funding would be available to states and nonprofit organizations as well as drug-free community coalitions, of which there are 11 in the Third District.

The Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act is supported by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, The Sports & Fitness Industry Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse, National Council of Youth Sports, National Athletic Trainers Association, USA Lacrosse, The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and National Federation of State High Schools. The full bill text, also known as the Student and Student Athlete Opioid Misuse Prevention Act, can be found here.

Davids has focused on mental health, particularly among Kansas' young folks, since taking office. She has helped secure funding for mental health programs in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, and has advocated for stronger mental health supports in schools. She also helped get grant funding to local police departments to hire more behavioral health specialists to the force, including the Overland Park Police Department's new Crisis Action Team.

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