NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5th) announced the Preventing Overdoses with Test Strips Act,legislation to combat the opioid epidemic by expanding access to drug test strips, affordable and effective lifesaving devices that prevent drug overdoses. The newly announced bill follows Booker’s Expanding Nationwide Access to Test Strips Act, legislation he introduced last month that would decriminalize drug test strips nationwide.
Booker and Gottheimer’s announcement followed a tour of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, where he spoke with medical professionals about the variety of evidence-based care and medical detox they provide to patients at the facility. He was joined by New Bridge Medical Center President and CEO Deborah Visconi and Bergen County Executive James Tedesco.
More than 109,000 Americans died to drug overdoses in 2022, surpassing 2021 as the deadliest year on record. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were involved in 67% of these fatalities, and 92% of these deaths were unintentional. In recent years, the United States has also seen a rapid increase in drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl mixed with xylazine—in 2022, about 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills contained xylazine. The presence of xylazine is especially pronounced in South Jersey due to its proximity to Philadelphia, where 9 out of 10 samples of lab-tested drugs tested positive for xylazine.
These statistics, and the stories of Americans lost to the opioid epidemic, serve as a reminder of a harsh reality: Far too often, individuals are unaware that their drugs are laced with substances such as fentanyl and xylazine, and this lack of awareness results in deaths that are entirely preventable.
The Preventing Overdoses with Test Strips Act amends current federal legislation to ensure that certain grant programs can cover expenses related to the acquisition and usage of test strips that detect the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, and other adulterant substances. Drug test steps, which cost $1 or $2, have emerged as a low-cost tool that can detect the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in various types of drugs and forms. Research has shown that 81% of individuals with access to test strips regularly use them, and those who receive positive results were five times more likely to modify their drug use behavior. Studies have also demonstrated that distributing test strip devices has been linked to a reduction in unintentional overdose incidents.
“For decades, America has waged a War on Drugs that has been disastrous for the most marginalized people in our nation,” said Sen. Booker. “Repeating the failed drug policies of the past will not solve the opioid crisis that our nation currently faces and will instead only perpetuate problems. A public health crisis requires a public health response, and expanding access to lifesaving test strips, which allow people to check if a pill or drug contains a fatal substance, is essential to reducing the record number of deaths caused by the opioid epidemic.”
“In recent years, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has made critical investments to better serve its patients,” continued Sen. Booker. “I was proud to visit the center and discuss its multifaceted approach to treat substance use disorders, which has been critical in helping our state fight the opioid epidemic.”
“Across Jersey and our nation, the fentanyl epidemic is tearing families and communities apart. We all wish there was a magic bullet to stop addiction and abuse. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t exist. That’s why we all must come together—Democrats and Republicans—to do everything we can to stop the disease of opioid addiction,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I’m proud to help lead in the House the Preventing Overdoses with Test Strips Act—a commonsense and proven step to protecting the lives of our loved ones.”
“Today was yet another great day for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the largest hospital in New Jersey, as we welcomed Senator Cory Booker to witness firsthand a comeback story for the ages and to introduce critical legislation that will combat the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. “I thank Senator Booker for his continued support of the County hospital and for his continued leadership in Washington on behalf of all Bergen County residents.”
“America is struggling with addiction and Americans are dying at alarming rates. This is a public health crisis. We must educate our communities about the danger of fentanyl contamination,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Preventing overdoses can only happen through broader access to stigma free treatment, education, and Fentanyl test strips. Bergen New Bridge is uniquely positioned to address the fentanyl crisis and end the heartbreak and devastation so many families have endured from fatal overdoses. But we cannot do this work without continued funding and support, which is why we are appreciative to Senator Booker and the legislation he has put forth and our County Executive and partners for their dedication to working with us to end the opioid epidemic and save countless lives.”
Full text of the Preventing Overdoses with Test Strips Act can be found here.
Today’s legislative announcement and tour of New Bridge Medical Center were part of Booker’s 2023 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties. The road trip will focus on Booker’s efforts to secure congressionally directed funding for critical projects in the state; his legislative priorities, including his work to address the opioid epidemic, counter the scourge of gun violence, and serve New Jersey veterans; and his support of local businesses and organizations.