WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a former drug crime federal prosecutor and certified emergency medical technician, and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) have been named a vice chairs of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force.

 “Opioid addiction is nothing short of an epidemic,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.  “From the toll it takes on our communities and families, to the strain on local leaders and law enforcement, this crisis is too important to let partisan politics get in the way of solutions. I’m proud to serve as national vice chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force and I look forward to continuing to work with the task force to do our part to eradicate this plague.”

“Addiction is a disease – not a personal failure. We must come together, end the stigma and help those suffering,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Addressing this growing crisis is not a red or blue issue – it’s a national health and national security issue. The soaring rise in deaths, fueled by heroin and prescription painkillers, now kills more Americans than car crashes, guns, terrorism or war. Our Bipartisan Heroin Task Force is rightfully working together to curb this terrible epidemic and I look forward to helping lead the discussion as a vice-chair.”

"The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force has been a strong force for Congressional action to address the opioid epidemic," said Task Force Chair Congresswoman Kuster. "I'm excited to recognize Representatives Norcross and Fitzpatrick as vice-chairs of the Task Force. I know they both share a strong commitment to working across the aisle to produce real solutions and expand access to treatment and recovery services, increase awareness and prevention efforts, and improve the law enforcement response to the opioid crisis."

“The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force has made tremendous strides to raise awareness and implement policies that will help fight the heroin epidemic,” said Task Force Chair Congressman MacArthur.  “It has grown to over 85 members and is one of the most rigorously bipartisan organizations in Congress.  I know with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Donald Norcross as vice-chairs, we will continue to grow and remain committed to combatting this crisis, which has touched so many communities in our home states and across the country.”