Office of Lt. Governor David Zuckerman
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5th, 2023
Contact
Lisa Gerlach
Chief of Staff, Office of the Lt. Governor
(802) 636-7047
Lisa.gerlach@vermont.gov
NEWS: Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s Statement on H.222
MONTPELIER, Vt: On Friday, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman released the following statement:
“The opioid crisis is taking too many Vermonters’ lives. It is one of the most important issues addressed by the legislature this session. H.222 will provide critical funding for opioid prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services. It will also provide legal protection for drug testing, making sure this life-saving service can continue without threat of arrest or prosecution.
“Make no mistake: this bill will save lives if enacted. The community-based approach in this bill will bring resources to address addiction to every corner of Vermont, making sure that no one goes untreated because of where they live. The funding and legal protections allow support centers to provide the highest quality treatment they can.
“Addiction is a disease, not a crime. The measures in this bill reaffirm Vermont’s commitment to approaching the opioid crisis as a health issue. I urge the Governor to sign this bill.
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