Deutch: 'Addiction Doesn't Discriminate"

Since 2019, lawmakers have crossed the political aisle for very few bipartisan efforts. With Congress Goes Purple, lawmakers honor and recognize National Recovery Month, an initiative to raise awareness for the drug addiction pandemic that has swept the country, by wearing purple attire and purple masks in support of the cause. Sharing his support and informing followers, Florida Rep. Ted Deutch (D) expressed his support, affirming that “addiction doesn’t discriminate.”

In 2019, Maryland Rep. David Trone (D) founded the Freshman Working Group on Addiction. Along with the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, “members wore purple to increase awareness about mental and substance use disorcers and celebrate Americans in recovery.”

Trone commented that “those among us who are struggling with mental health concerns or substance use disorder need to know that there is no shame in seeking help.” “I am proud to stand up in the House of Representatives today wearing purple in order to recognize the importance of National Recovery Month,” he added, noting that “these disorders don’t discriminate, and neither should we in helping people find the path back.”

Subsequently, the support for Congress Goes Purple has only strengthened. Throughout the day, lawmakers took to social media not only to share pictures of themselves donning purple clothes and masks, but also shared information regarding National Recovery Month.

On Twitter, Deutch shared his “support for those in recovery” by detailing information regarding the dangers of drug addiction.

“Last year, 93,331 people died due to drug overdose,” Deutch said, adding that these people were “sons, daughters, moms, dads, siblings, and friends.”

Because “addiction doesn’t discriminate,” the Florida Democrat did stress that “treatment is available and recovery is possible” for anyone in need of help.

The Congress Goes Purple initiative “was inspired by grassroots and local efforts focused on bringing awareness to the addiction epidemic that is ravaging our nation” according to a 2019 press release from Rep. Trone.

While lawmakers have  launched efforts and passed legislation to respond to concerns related to drug addictions, the issue remains a pressing matter.