On May 4, 2026, Mobilize Recovery joined a broad coalition of national, state, and local organizations representing the prevention, treatment, and recovery communities in sending a letter to leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.

The message was clear: now is not the time to roll back progress.

Together, we expressed strong concern about two proposed pieces of legislation—H.R. 5629 and H.R. 5630—that could undermine access to lifesaving opioid use disorder treatment and place additional burdens on already strained systems.

Why This Matters

Over the past several years, the United States has begun to see encouraging signs in the fight against the overdose crisis. According to recent data from the CDC, overdose deaths declined by 25% in 2024—the largest single-year drop on record.

While nearly 79,000 lives lost is still far too many, this progress reflects the impact of expanded access to evidence-based care, including reforms to Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) regulations and increased use of telehealth.

The policies now under consideration risk reversing that momentum.

Our Concerns

The coalition’s letter highlights several key issues:

• Premature policy changes: The updated OTP rules only took full effect in late 2024. Many states are still in the process of implementation, making it too early to evaluate their full impact.
• Threats to treatment access: Repealing these rules could limit access to care, particularly for individuals who rely on telehealth and flexible treatment options.
• Unnecessary administrative burden: Additional reporting requirements on block grant recipients could divert resources away from care and into compliance.

Rather than rushing to change course, we are urging Congress to take a more measured approach—one grounded in data, evaluation, and the lived realities of people seeking recovery.

A Call for Bipartisan Leadership

Progress in addressing the overdose crisis has historically been driven by bipartisan collaboration. Landmark legislation like the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the SUPPORT Act helped expand access to treatment and support recovery nationwide.

We believe that same spirit of cooperation is essential now.

Instead of rolling back effective policies, Congress should focus on:

• Evaluating the real-world impact of recent reforms
• Protecting and expanding access to evidence-based treatment
• Ensuring that any future policy changes are informed, targeted, and effective

Standing Together for Recovery

Mobilize Recovery is proud to stand alongside organizations across the country—from national leaders to local providers—who are united in protecting access to care and advancing recovery.

This moment calls for thoughtful action, not reaction.

We remain committed to working with policymakers, partners, and communities to build on the progress we’ve made and ensure that recovery remains within reach for everyone who needs it.

Read the full letter:

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