ENA Praises Zika and Opioid Funding in Stopgap Spending Bill
President signs short-term spending bill that jumpstarts CARA and aids fight against Zika
The Emergency Nurses Association today praised Congress for passing and President Obama for signing a short-term spending bill that includes funding to battle the Zika virus and the opioid epidemic, two of ENA’s top federal legislative priorities.
The bill includes $1.1 billion in emergency aid to halt the spread of the Zika virus and $37 million in new opioid funding. The opioid money is designed to support grant programs stemming from the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) immediately instead of waiting until Congress passes a full-year funding bill. CARA was signed into law in July.
“Funding to fight the Zika virus and the opioid epidemic is a big win for public health,” said ENA President Kathleen E. Carlson, MSN, RN, CEN, FAEN. “Emergency department visits linked to misuse or abuse of prescription opioids have risen by more than 50 percent since 2004. And, there is currently no vaccine against the Zika virus. This funding will help public health officials keep the virus contained.”
The legislation passed the House Wednesday night on a 342-85 vote, and earlier in the day passed through the Senate, 72-26. Congress will return after the November 8 election to continue working on a long-term spending bill.
Media Contact:
Marie Grimaldi
Director, PR & Communications
847.460.4080
mgrimaldi@ena.org
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 42,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
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