H.R. 3591, Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2019
H.R. 3591, Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2019
Congressman David Trone (D-MD)
Cosponsors: Crenshaw, Fitzpatrick, Guest, Johnson, Joyce, McBath, Mooney, Pappas, Trahan
Background
We are facing a nationwide addiction epidemic. Between 1999 and 2015, drug overdose deaths more than tripled. Now, more than 100 Americans die every day from overdosing on opioids. Campuses are feeling the impact. One in ten undergraduates report using pain medications for non-medical reasons.
We must do more to ensure college students enjoy a healthy and safe environment on campus and have access to the range of programs that can educate students about substance use and help those with substance use disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), successful prevention efforts involve a combination of strategies and collaboration between individual students, the student body, and the broader college community.
About the Legislation
The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2019 amends the Higher Education Act to help institutions of higher education implement evidence-based programs to prevent alcohol and substance misuse on campus and support those with substance use disorders (SUDs).
Promotes Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Strategies
- Supports and implements programs meant to eliminate illegal substance use, decrease substance misuse, improve public health, and improve campus safety
- Implements a requirement that campus-based substance misuse prevention programs be “evidence-based”
Ensures a Collaborative and Holistic Approach
- Promotes collaboration between institutions and the state agencies that administer related programs targeting substance use disorder
- Allows for collaboration and coordination among institutions of higher education or consortia of similar institutions
- Encourages integration and collaboration in campus-based health services between primary care, substance use disorder services, and mental health services
Provides Needed Funding and Resources to Institutions
- Requires an interagency agreement between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to identity and promote successful programs
- Revitalizes a grant program to help institutions of higher education implement successful programs
- Supports a range of initiatives, including early screening education, recovery support services, peer support services, and counseling for students with a substance use disorder, along with re-entry assistance
