Pappas Helps Reintroduce Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) in reintroducing the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act, legislation to help colleges and universities prevent alcohol and substance misuse and make sure students have access to recovery support when they need it. If passed, the bill would fund college prevention and recovery services at $75 million over five years.

“A comprehensive approach to confronting the addiction epidemic must include both prevention efforts and recovery services as well as a focus on young people,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bill provides critical steps forward by bringing evidence-informed treatment to our colleges and universities to educate students on substance misuse and help those working to overcome substance use disorder. The addiction crisis is deeply personal for New Hampshire families, and I will continue supporting efforts that address its root causes, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure individuals in need receive proper support to recover.” 

College should be a place where students can learn, grow, and build their futures. Yet too many students face substance misuse without access to prevention programs, mental health care, or recovery services that allow them to stay healthy and stay in school. This legislation takes direct steps to support students and prevent illegal substance use, reduce misuse, improve public health, and improve campus safety.

The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act:

• Promotes evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies on college campuses.
• Encourages integration and collaboration in campus-based health services to address substance use and mental health.
• Requires the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and promote successful programs.
• Authorizes $15 million annually to help colleges and universities implement proven solutions, including early screening, peer support, counseling, recovery services, and re-entry assistance.

“New Mexico has shown that when we treat education as a foundation for well-being, families and communities thrive. This bill brings that same approach to our college campuses by helping students get the support they need to learn, stay enrolled, and build a future. When students succeed, our whole country is stronger,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

“As elected officials, it’s important that we give families confidence that their children will have the support they need as many of them leave home for the first time,” said Congresswoman McBath. "Substance and alcohol misuse can impact anyone, and unfortunately, we’re seeing those challenges grow. I’m grateful to join with my colleagues once more to empower our education institutions to improve their prevention efforts and expand recovery resources for our students."

The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of educators, health professionals, advocacy organizations, and higher education institutions, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, American Federation of Teachers – NM (AFT-NM), American College Health Association (ACHA), American Psychological Association Services, National Association of Secondary School Principals, ACPA-College Student Educators International, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.