U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Safe Response Act, a bill aimed at reauthorizing a grant program that provides states, local governments, and Tribes with resources and training for first responders dealing with drug overdoses.
“West Virginians know all too well the devastation and heartbreak drug overdoses cause in our communities. That’s why it is essential Congress provides the resources and training our first responders need to administer life-saving overdose reversal drugs and keep themselves safe in the process. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will equip our first responders with the necessary tools to save more lives,” Senator Capito said.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024, with over 50,000 linked to opioids such as fentanyl. This figure represents a 26.9% decrease from an estimated 110,037 deaths in 2023, which health officials attribute partly to increased access to opioid reversal drugs like naloxone. West Virginia experienced a nearly 41% drop in overdose deaths over the past year.
The original grant program was established under the 2018 SUPPORT Act and funded training and resources for first responders handling overdoses. The proposed Safe Response Act would extend this funding by authorizing $57 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for grants supporting first responders and key community sectors.
Grant funds may be used for several purposes: providing knowledge and training on using overdose reversal devices or medications; offering technical assistance on protecting first responders from exposure; setting up referral processes to connect individuals who receive opioid overdose reversal drugs with follow-up services; and educating about safe procedures when exposed to substances like fentanyl or carfentanil.
A copy of the bill text can be found here.
A one-pager on the bill can be found here.
