Team, it's no secret that our nation's opioid epidemic is devastating countless families across Colorado and the country.

And this crisis is personal to me too. When I was 6 years old, my mom hurt her back – and was subsequently prescribed a dangerous amount of opioids. Like for so many other Americans, a common medical situation led my mom to a decades-long battle with addiction.

That's why I just introduced a bipartisan bill, the Communities of Recovery Act, which will significantly increase funding for local community organizations that offer recovery support services. These services are so critical for helping people with substance use disorder rebuild their lives.

If we want to solve this nationwide epidemic, it's going to take everyone, Democrat and Republican – because this issue touches us all, regardless of our personal politics. So, friend, will you add your name to become an official citizen cosponsor of my bipartisan bill to help support Americans affected by the opioid crisis?

Ever since I was first elected to the Colorado state legislature over a decade ago, I've been fighting to improve access to substance use disorder treatment programs in our state – and I couldn't be more proud of the work we accomplished in Colorado.

But I believe every American deserves access to the treatment they need, no matter where they live or their economic circumstances.

Make no mistake: I'm going to be working tirelessly to get this bill passed, but I need your support in this fight too.

Becoming a citizen cosponsor of my bill takes less than a minute, but it makes a real difference. Will you add your name next to mine to help me deliver real solutions for America's devastating opioid epidemic?

Thank you,

Brittany Pettersen
U.S. Congresswoman, Colorado's 7th District