Miller, Colleagues Introduce Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the RCORP Authorization Act, a bipartisan bill that amends the Public Health Service Act and ensures the continued operation of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). This legislation secures and strengthens vital prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder in rural communities. This bill will also help local providers expand medical care and better respond to emerging public health challenges.

"Supporting communities battling addiction remains one of my highest priorities. Representing a rural district, I know how critical it is for families to have reliable access to quality health care and recovery services. RCORP delivers essential funding to rural areas that lack the resources needed to address substance use disorders, and formally authorizing this program provides stability for the providers doing this lifesaving work. I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining me in this bipartisan effort to strengthen prevention and recovery services in some of the most underserved parts of our nation," said Congresswoman Miller.

"For the millions of Americans battling substance use disorder, having access to proven, affordable treatment can mean the difference between life and death. The RCORP program is critical in bringing those lifesaving services to our rural communities, including those in our own Capital Region. I'm proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation that ensures those living with the disease of addiction have access to the health care treatment and resources they need to find and follow the path to recovery," said Rep. Tonko (D-NY)

"Opioid addiction doesn't discriminate by age, income, or political party, and it's going to take all of us working together to end to this national crisis. I'm proud to work with my colleagues authorize the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. While there is no silver bullet, bipartisan solutions like this will help us save lives and support those struggling with substance use," said Rep. Sewell (D-AL).

"Rural districts like mine face significant barriers to opioid treatment and recovery. Formally authorizing the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program ensures those battling substance abuse maintain access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As a pharmacist, this issue is deeply personal to me. I will continue working so every American has the tools and support necessary to overcome addiction, and I thank my colleagues for working together to save lives," said Rep. Carter (R-GA).

"On behalf of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, we are thrilled to see Reps. Carol Miller, Buddy Carter, Terri Sewell, and Paul Tonko introduce the RCORP Authorization Bill of 2025. The RCORP program has been a lifeline for Rural communities in West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, New York and all 50 states. If passed into law this bill solidifies the standing of the program in the eyes of Congress - we look forward to working with our rural champions to ensure Congress advances this important bipartisan measure," said Tammy Norville, CEO of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.

"Substance use disorder, including opioid use, is exacerbated in rural America by a lack of access to care and treatment. The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is the only opioid grant program targeted exclusively to rural populations and is aimed at alleviating access gaps by establishing and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services. NRHA applauds the efforts of Congresswoman Miller and Congressman Tonko for their introduction of the RCORP Authorization Act and their continual leadership on rural issues," -said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.


Click here for bill text.

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