BOSTON (AP) — A group of 18 Democratic U.S. senators is calling for increased federal spending to combat the nation’s opioid crisis.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is leading the group. Warren said only 10 percent of people struggling with substance abuse receive specialty treatment, mostly due to lack of funding for services.
The group sent a letter to Republican congressional leaders Wednesday urging additional funds be included in a $1 trillion budget bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown.
Massachusetts health officials have estimated unintentional opioid-related overdose deaths rose for a sixth consecutive year, with the final number approaching or exceeding 2,000 in 2016.
The group also pushed for increased spending for the National Institutes of Health.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, also signed the letter.
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