News-Impact-Advocacy May 16, 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Closer to Becoming Law! In a sweeping 400-5 vote, this week the House passed a package of opioid bills as an amendment to S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).  CARA is the first comprehensive legislation to address addiction as a health care issue.  This is a major step forward to CARA becoming law.   Most importantly special provisions to support Recovery were among the amendments passed this week. This is a huge victory for Recovery advocates. We must celebrate! The Council/PRO-ACT's Public Policy Committee led by volunteers has kept legislators on alert by participating in call-in days, letter writing campaigns, use of social media, and town hall meetings.  Our untiring efforts to support and advocate for expanded Naloxone distribution, emergency budgets for treatment and recovery support for opioid addiction, education for our legislators about the Recovery Oriented System of Care, Act 106, Medicaid Expansion, Recovery Housing legislation, voter education for the recovery community, criminal justice reform - all these efforts have moved our legislators toward the understanding that addiction is a health care issue.   Take a moment to thank your Representative for working to pass this important legislation. In particular, thank Representatives McCarthy, Guinta, and Custer for their roles in making sure the voice of Recovery continues to be heard. Learn more about our Recovery Support Committees here