[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H7692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            YOUTH DRUG ABUSE

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give a voice to millions of 
Americans who are at risk of being overlooked in our Nation's response 
to the opioid epidemic, America's youth.
  Our Nation's opioid crisis knows no boundaries of geography or 
demographics, and age--age--is no exception. One of four individuals 
under the age of 20 has been prescribed opioids at some point in life, 
and 2.2 million young people between the ages of 20 and 24 abused 
opioids in the last year.
  Opioid abuse early in life often leads to poorer academic 
performance, more negative health outcomes, and higher rates of future 
drug use.
  In order to prevent the next generation of drug abuse, we have to 
ramp up our investment in critical programs like drug-free communities 
grants and substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants.
  We can also help young people build resilience by supporting our 
school-based health centers, where students are able to get healthcare 
in a convenient setting. When students are empowered to meet with 
healthcare providers, ask questions, and receive needed care, they can 
become powerful advocates in turning the tide of this epidemic around.

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