Bill Overview
Title: Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and modifies multiple grants, programs, and other activities that support prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Specifically, the bill addresses mental health and substance use disorder services for homeless populations; priority substance use prevention and treatment needs that are of regional and national significance; access to treatment in areas with high or increasing rates of opioid use; data collection, research, and other activities to prevent and respond to underage drinking; diversion of individuals with mental health illnesses from the criminal justice system to community-based services; increased access to emergency treatments for known or suspected opioid overdoses (e.g., naloxone), including by expanding the prescriptive authority of certain health care providers; implementation of comprehensive state-based plans to respond to opioid use disorders; and use of opioid alternatives for pain management in hospitals and emergency departments.
Sponsors: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People with substance use disorders
Estimated Size: 22000000
- Substance use disorders affect millions globally, with opioid use being a significant concern.
- Opioid overdose is a major public health issue worldwide, and naloxone is a critical emergency treatment.
- Being homeless greatly increases the risk of substance use disorders due to stress and lack of support.
- Underage drinking requires prevention efforts as it can lead to substance abuse and health issues.
- Diverting individuals with mental health issues from the criminal justice system can reduce recidivism and improve treatment outcomes.
Reasoning
- The target population for the policy involves approximately 22 million Americans with substance use disorders, which aligns with the national focus on curbing opioid and alcohol misuse. This represents a diverse demographic, including various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographic regions.
- The policy aims to address multiple facets of the opioid crisis and substance abuse, integrating mental health and community service initiatives. This should help reduce the strain on the healthcare and criminal justice systems.
- The projected budget and timeframe imply that while extensive resources are allocated, the impact could be variable depending on regional implementation and existing infrastructure. Hence, individuals may experience differing levels of service improvements and support availability.
- People not directly involved in the target group might still indirectly benefit from reduced health system strain, while others might see little to no change, leading to potential variance in reported wellbeing improvements.
Simulated Interviews
Homeless (West Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems like a lifeline for those like me who are dealing with substance abuse and homelessness.
- Access to treatment has been sporadic and largely inaccessible due to my living situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Factory Worker (Ohio)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased access to treatments like naloxone is critical for overdose risks, even among employed people like me.
- I'm hoping for sustainable treatment options that go beyond emergency responses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High School Student (California)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There needs to be more education and activities to keep kids from falling into drinking and drug habits.
- Programs after school that are engaging can make a huge difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (New York)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- By expanding prescriptive authority, we can more effectively manage overdose cases rapidly.
- Stress is constant; better preventive measures are necessary for community health workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think focusing on mental health and stress management could help avert issues before they start.
- The policy may not affect me directly, but broader community health improvements would be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could provide new hope for families struggling when someone they love is caught in substance use.
- Support networks are very much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Police Officer (New Mexico)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Diverting individuals with mental health issues to community services rather than jail is essential.
- Our response frequently lacks the proper tools, increasing repeat offenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Community Health Worker (Alaska)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrating traditional practices with increased access to treatment is critical for my community.
- The policy could offer much-needed resources for tailored health solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Bartender (Washington)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legislation on underage drinking needs proper enforcement.
- Awareness and preventive measures should start in schools and community settings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Judge (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Court systems are overloaded with substance abuse cases; diversion programs can act as an alternative to incarceration.
- Better outcomes are achieved when focus is placed on treatment instead of punishment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1250000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 2: $1250000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 3: $1250000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 5: $1300000000 (Low: $1050000000, High: $1550000000)
Year 10: $1400000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- The scale of implementation at both state and national levels will critically influence cost outcomes.
- Long-term savings are dependent on successful and widespread adoption of diversion programs and opioid use interventions.
- Coordination across healthcare, law enforcement, and social services sectors is crucial for effective implementation.