Gillibrand bill will support families struggling with substance abuse

CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will hold a video press conference Thursday to introduce her bipartisan legislation that would provide families with the tools they need to support their loved ones living with addiction.

As Americans have adjusted to the isolation engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and treatment programs have seen dramatic increases in patients with substance abuse disorders.

MORE: Recovery Appointments Project works to put people in recovery into decision-making roles

The CDC reported over 81,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States between July 2019 and June 2020 - the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period.

The Family Support Services for Addiction Act would create a grant program to help nonprofits and community organizations provide support services to families with loved ones seeking addiction treatment.