ASAM Mourns the Passing of Representative Elijah E. Cummings
Longtime Congressman from Baltimore was a champion for addiction treatment and recovery
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) expresses sincere condolences to the family of Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), who passed away this morning at the age of 68. ASAM mourns the loss of the longtime Maryland Congressman who was a tireless advocate for the people he served and a true champion for expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery in the US.
“We are saddened to learn of Representative Cummings’ passing,” said Paul H. Earley, MD, president of ASAM. “As a passionate advocate for Americans affected by addiction, the Congressman sought big and bold solutions to the nation’s addiction and overdose crisis. He understood that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing, and that Americans living with addiction need and deserve treatment and recovery support services. His passing represents a tremendous loss for our country, and he will be truly missed. Our deep condolences go out to his family, friends, and staff members during this difficult time.”
Rep. Cummings has long advocated for increased access to addiction treatment. In May, he introduced the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act (H.R. 2569), broad and expansive legislation to address the nation’s addiction and overdose crisis and help people with addiction enter remission and recovery.
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