Below is a summary of U.S. Senate briefings on addiction treatment and recovery, a bipartisan conversation led by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The Center for Health and Justice at TASC is serving as a partner in planning and facilitating the briefings.

These Senate briefings have contributed to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Portman and Whitehouse.

Addiction and Criminal Justice
April 29, 2014
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) hosted the forum on Addiction and Criminal Justice, which focused on strategies for policy and practice at the intersection of criminal justice, addiction, and recovery. The forum included public health advocates, members of law enforcement, public officials, and researchers. Key topics included advancements and challenges in treatment, recidivism, diversion and alternatives to incarceration, and the heroin and opiate crisis. TASC President and CEO Pamela Rodriguez served as a panel moderator.

Women and Addiction - Video
July 22, 2014
Sponsored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), this forum discussed policy priorities for providing treatment and recovery support for women with drug addiction. The forum included nationally-recognized researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and individuals in recovery. Key topics included prescription painkiller overdoses, the impact of trauma, and the role of relationships in addiction and recovery.

Understanding the Science and Addressing Collateral Consequences
December 2, 2014
Hosted by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), this briefing focused on the science of addiction and its collateral consequences. Speakers included nationally-recognized researchers, recovery advocates, policymakers, and practitioners in criminal justice and public health. TASC Executive Vice President and COO Peter Palanca moderated a panel at the briefing.

Reach / Scope: National