Bonamici, Valadao, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Rides to Sobering Centers, Support Services

WASHINGTON, DC [6/5/26] - Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), David Valadao (R-CA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide safe transportation to aid for people experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.

The Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act would create a grant program to fund rides to sobering centers, behavioral health providers, and other supportive services, including outpatient health services, case management, and mental health services. The legislation is inspired by the van service that the health and housing nonprofit Central City Concern provided for years to transport people in need to a sobering center in Portland, Oregon.

"People shouldn't be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I'm working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk."

"In the Central Valley, we've seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic," said Congressman Valadao. "Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I'm proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care."

"Everyone deserves a second chance," said Rep. Bacon. "The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I'm grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort."

"Central City Concern (CCC) is proud and honored to see the legacy of a long-running former CCC program recognized through the CHIERS Act. Communities across the country will benefit from dedicated funding to support transportation to essential services such as outpatient care, behavioral health counseling, and mental health treatment. This investment is especially meaningful for individuals navigating their recovery journeys, helping ensure they can access the care, support, and services they need along the way," saidDr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO of Central City Concern in Portland, Oregon.

Funding from the CHERS Act could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation. The grant program would be run jointly through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and eligible entities include community health centers, Continuum of Care Program participants, opioid recovery centers, state, Tribal and local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

The legislation is endorsed by Central City Concern, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Drug Policy Alliance, and Uber.

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