As we approach the 2024 Senate elections in Pennsylvania, it is essential that we rally behind the Democratic candidate who has proven his commitment to the people of the state time and time again. That candidate is none other than Bob Casey.

Bob Casey has been a strong voice for the people of Pennsylvania since he was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of working families, support small businesses, and promote economic growth across the state. He has been a champion of healthcare reform, advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Throughout his years in the Senate, Bob Casey has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents over partisan politics. He has worked across the aisle to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits the people of Pennsylvania. He has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights.

As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we have leaders like Bob Casey in the Senate. He has proven time and time again that he has the experience, dedication, and passion to fight for the people of Pennsylvania and make a real difference in their lives.

So, let's come together and
show our support for Bob Casey as he runs for Senate in 2024. Together, we can
ensure that our voices are heard and that Pennsylvania continues to have a
strong and effective leader in the Senate.

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May 16, 2024

Casey Unveils Actions to Prevent and Treat Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults

New Casey bill will help improve prevention and treatment options for the growing number of older adults suffering from substance abuse disorders Casey also sent letter to federal agency responsible for addressing substance use disorders advocating for improved data collection on older adults Actions follow December Aging Committee hearing exposing the growing crisis of seniors facing substance use disorder issues Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, unveiled a series of actions to prevent and treat substance use disorders (SUDs) among older adults. As part of the package, Casey introduced the Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults Act, a bill that will help provide the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with the resources it needs to improve treatment and prevention services for older adults with SUDs. Casey also sent a letter to SAMHSA urging the agency to improve its collection of data about the prevalence of older adults with substance use disorders to facilitate better treatment and prevention. “Despite being more susceptible to developing substance use disorders, older Americans are often overlooked for typical screenings and prevention efforts,” said Chairman Casey (D-PA). “Today, I’m taking action to ensure that the rise in substance use disorders among older adults is a subject of national attention, and to improve the availability and accessibility of potentially life-saving treatment options.” The rates of substance use disorders among older adults over the age of 65 have increased in recent years, with nearly four million older adults reporting an SUD in 2022. The number of older adults needing SUD treatment has tripled from 1.7 million in 2000 to 5.7 million in 2020. Unfortunately, older adults are often overlooked when developing screening, prevention, and treatment strategies. These challenges are compounded by a lack of data available to promote understanding of how to best care for older adults with SUDs.  Senator Casey’s new bill, the Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults Act, will establish a grant program at SAMHSA to improve understanding as well as treatment and prevention services for older adults with SUDs. The program will award grants to eligible entities, particularly those located in areas of high need, to improve SUD treatment and prevention services for older adults, including those that seek to improve comprehensive care coordination and integrated care, data collection, and collaboration with older adults and their loved ones. Casey also sent a letter to SAMHSA urging the agency to improve data collection in three areas: (1) the scope of substance use disorders among older adults, (2) the extent to which older adults are able to access integrated physical and mental health care, and (3) the extent to which older adults are able to access wraparound and other social supports to meet their unique needs. This data would facilitate improved treatment and prevention of SUDs among older adults. Chairman Casey’s actions follow an Aging Committee hearing held last December entitled, “Understanding a Growing Crisis: Substance Use Trends Among Older Adults.” At the hearing, Casey heard from a number of subject matter experts and older adults about the growing crisis, including the scope of the challenge, gaps in coverage and access to treatment and recovery, and limits in research that might be obscuring the problem. Today’s bill and letter address the concerns raised at the December hearing. Read more about the Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults Act here. Read the full text of Chairman Casey’s letter to SAMHSA here. ###

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