STAR Plus Scholarship Act announced

Abstract

On Sept. 12, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Oregon) and Marc Molinaro (R-New York) introduced the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Plus Scholarship Act. This bill aims to establish a new scholarship program for students studying in the fields of mental health, behavioral health, or substance use disorder treatment. The STAR Loan Repayment Program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, has consistently advocated for the creation of a scholarship program to accompany the loan repayment program. “NAADAC is excited and proud to support the STAR Plus Scholarship Act, as creation of these scholarship opportunities is an essential step towards building a more robust and well-trained addiction workforce,” said Terrence Walton, MSW, NAADAC's executive director. “NAADAC applauds Representatives Salinas and Molinaro for their leadership and recognition of the meaningful difference this policy solution will make in countless lives.”