The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, said in a statement that the organization commends President Trump for his declaration of Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week Sept. 16-22. NWRA also applauded the Senate for its recent 99 to 1 vote to pass the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act that takes aim at this nationwide crisis. The association urges Congress to complete action on the legislation as quickly as possible and send it to the president for his signature.
“The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act would provide powerful tools to federal agencies in the fight against the opioid crisis. NWRA supports congressional efforts such as this to crack down on the supply and demand of opioids while increasing treatment options for those addicted,” NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says. “This declared public health emergency not only decreases the pool of employable individuals at a time when the waste and recycling industry is experiencing a shortage of workers and drivers, but also impacts those working in the industry that have family members and loved ones suffering from this addiction.”