Ford to Stand with Overdose Prevention Advocates Friday in Opposition to Harmful Medicaid Cuts, Discuss Consequences

CHICAGO – Alarmed that possible federal cuts to Medicaid would reverse gains in overdose prevention efforts and put lives at risk, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join advocates at a press conference Friday to urge a better path forward in Washington.

Ford’s press conference will take place Friday, March 7 at 11 a.m. in the press room at the State of Illinois building located at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago.

“Lives are at stake,” Ford said. “Cuts to Medicaid funding would undo hard-fought gains we have achieved in our battle against the opioid and heroin crisis, putting our most vulnerable in jeopardy. Those who are in treatment using proper medication in place of a street drug are less likely to die of an overdose, but if they lose access to health coverage they’ll be at much greater risk. Let’s be compassionate and pursue a more sensible direction.”

Medicaid is the largest payer of opioid use disorder treatment in the United States, and it plays a significant role in supporting recovery services.

A recently-passed U.S. House budget resolution calls for significant cuts in federal spending, and calls on the House Energy and Commerce Committee – which oversees Medicaid – to identify at least $880 billion in cuts. Such goals cannot be achieved without cutting Medicaid, according to a report issued Wednesday from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Ford will be joined Friday by members of the harm reduction community, treatment providers, recovery advocates and community-based organizations.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, community advocates
What: Press conference against Medicaid cuts and the consequences it would have on substance use treatment efforts
When: Friday, March 7; 11 a.m.
Where: State of Illinois Building press room; 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago