The opioid epidemic is personal to me, John.

1,034 Missourians lost their lives to opioid overdose in 2020 alone. And I am heartbroken to say that after a yearslong battle with addiction and nearly 500 days of sobriety, my beautiful son Matt was one of them.

But I know my story isn’t unique. I know my pain and heartache are shared by too many. That's why I've made ending the opioid epidemic the heart of my campaign.

I believe that tackling this crisis starts with serious investments in making opioid treatment more accessible and affordable, especially in rural areas. But our work doesn't end there. We must also combat the stigma and shame associated with addiction and continue funding research to find more innovative solutions to this insidious problem.

My plan is bold and ambitious – but that's exactly what a public health crisis demands. Even still, building support in Washington for this type of transformative plan won't be easy. It's going to take a powerful, united grassroots public pressure campaign. That's why today, I'm asking you to join me as a Citizen Co-Sponsor of my plan to tackle the opioid epidemic. I've set a goal to have 500 people sign on before 11:59 p.m. tonight, and as one of my very first supporters, I'm counting on you to stand with me.

My son Matt worked so hard to help others with addiction. Today, I'm taking over this work in his honor and trying to do the same. Together, we can overcome stigma, make treatment more accessible, and end the opioid epidemic in America so that our communities can thrive again.

– Trudy Busch Valentine