The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to increase funding for an opioid recovery grant program initiated by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY). The Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act, first introduced in 2018, is designed to fund treatment recovery centers that aid individuals in overcoming addiction and transitioning back into the workforce.
The CAREER Act’s reauthorization was included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, a comprehensive package aimed at opioid prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This reauthorization comes with a $7 million annual funding increase, bringing total support to $210 million. These funds are intended to assist treatment providers working with individuals battling substance use disorder.
Congressman Barr expressed gratitude towards Chairman Guthrie for his leadership on the SUPPORT Act. He stated: “The Commonwealth has made meaningful progress thanks to the great work of our treatment providers, but the battle against addiction is far from over… The CAREER Act gives providers on the frontlines more resources to help individuals in recovery reenter the workforce—restoring the dignity, pride, and purpose that comes with any job.”
Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY) highlighted Kentucky’s success in reducing overdose death rates by over 30%. He noted: “We have proof that our efforts are working to curb the nation’s opioid epidemic and save lives through effective legislation… As we continue to address this crisis through law enforcement, treatment and education, we must also continue equipping people in recovery with the education and skills they need.”
Kara Ball from Isaiah House shared how federal grants through the CAREER Act have been transformative: “Because of this grant, we’ve been able to do so much more than just meet immediate needs; we’ve helped people earn their GEDs, take their first steps toward college… From peer recovery support to job training, this funding has helped turn hope into action for so many.”
A study by the Recovery Research Institute found that improving employment status among people in recovery correlates with increased drug abstinence six months post-treatment. Despite Kentucky’s progress with a 30% reduction in overdoses in 2024, it remains among the top ten U.S. states for overdose death rates according to CDC data.
