BR195 is an act related to treatment of substance abuse and provides a pathway for the services that are desperately needed to combat the current heroin epidemic in the State of Kentucky.

• BR195 reaches out to law enforcement and medical professionals to educate these professions on substance abuse as a medical disease.

• BR195 provides consent for community health departments to implement programs that will help eradicate the anticipated upward surge of infectious diseases in our communities caused by such widespread intravenous substance abuse.

• BR195 requires the Department of Medicaid Services to provide a substance abuse benefit to help with the treatment of the disease of addiction.

• BR195 will prohibit substance abuse programs from discriminating against pregnant women seeking treatment.

• In addition and among a variety of other benefits, BR195 will call for county and regional wraparound teams for opioid addiction, a concept that is invaluable to restoring healthy living back into our society.

  The citizens of this state cannot wait any longer for these invaluable tools. We need action now to ensure and secure a healthy and productive society for our future generations. The heroin epidemic has rapidly swept through our communities leaving vast devastation that will take years to counteract. However, by supporting BR195, We the People of the State of Kentucky believe we will be on the right track to rebuilding our communities.

  We the People have faith that our voices count. We the People believe our opinions and support matter. We the People of the State of Kentucky support the passing of BR195.