WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) praised the creation of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas’ Heroin Response Strategy, which will address heroin trafficking and addiction in Appalachia and four other regions.
HIDTA announced $2.5 million in funding today to create the Heroin Response Strategy, a program among the Appalachia, New England, Philadelphia/Camden, New York/New Jersey and Washington/Baltimore HIDTA programs to create public health-public safety partnerships in 15 states.
The Appalachia HIDTA program will also receive nearly $400,000 for drug prevention initiatives in West Virginia and surrounding states.
“Communities across West Virginia and the nation have been ravaged by heroin and opioid abuse, touching nearly every family. We must work together to find solutions to treat addition and stop drug trafficking, and HIDTA is a critical tool in stopping the drug trade.
“HIDTA serves a vital role in our communities, bringing federal, state, and local law enforcement together to combat the drug epidemic and stop the flow of drugs into West Virginia. This additional funding will expand HIDTA’s reach, prevent even more West Virginians from using illegal drugs, and stop the spread of drugs in our communities,” Rep. Jenkins said.
“HIDTA works, which is why I am disappointed that President Obama proposed cutting HIDTA’s budget in fiscal year 2016. Since day one I have fought to stop the president’s proposed cuts and to secure additional funding for HIDTA. I will continue to work with my colleagues to invest in HIDTA and other solutions that will keep drugs out of the hands of West Virginians and ensure a healthier, safer future for our communities.”
