Opioid Crisis Workforce Act

The Opioid Crisis Workforce Act (HR 6587) amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to address workforce needs in communities heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. It requires the federal government to annually share proven strategies for tackling economic and workforce challenges linked to substance use disorders, and to help states apply for funding to implement these approaches. The bill also creates new federal grants (under Section 170) for employment and training in opioid prevention/treatment fields - targeting dislocated workers, the long-term unemployed, those affected by local opioid crises, and healthcare workers in addiction/mental health/pain management. These grants specifically support areas where demand for such services exceeds available resources. The law directly affects states, local communities, and workers in opioid treatment sectors.