Rep. Tom Reed visited the first Oxford House in the City of Jamestown and spoke with residents of this facility.

"There is no denying the opioid epidemic is present in our district,” Tom said. “We care about those who have suffered and suffer from this addiction and the Oxford House represents a wonderful example of how to help in this area.

"We applaud Kim and her family for bringing sunshine to a personal tragedy and turning it into a service that benefits our entire community," Tom concluded.

Tom is fighting the opioid epidemic and supported the 21st Century Cures Act which mandated $1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment. Tom also voted for the House-passed THRIVE (Transitional Housing for Recovery in Viable Environments) Act allowing organizations like Oxford House to get access to affordable housing vouchers for residents in sober living facilities and or recovery homes.

Tom introduced the HELP (Help Ensure Lives are Protected) Act to allow federal prosecutors more access to severe penalties when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases.

Tom discussed with the residents what might have been helpful to them in their journey with addiction and what they think should be done to help others in the same situation.This is just one example of input from people in an important organization which Tom will take back to Washington.