Securing Dedicated Funding Pathways for Prevention and ROSC Integration
Advocate for state and local policies that create sustainable and transparent funding pathways, particularly leveraging Opioid Settlement funds and recreational cannabis tax revenue, to ensure resources are strategically dedicated to prevention, early intervention, and recovery services that strengthen the Recovery-Orientated System of Care (ROSC) and prioritize the most cost-effective strategies.
Close Regulatory Loopholes on Chemically Derived Cannabinoids
Recent federal action included in the Continuing Resolution (CR) that reopened the government temporarily addresses intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids by granting the industry a one-year period to develop a regulatory and compliance framework. While this signals a growing national concern, the CR does not resolve the immediate public health risks Missouri communities are facing today — and it is widely expected that additional federal legislation or regulatory guidance may be introduced before the one-year window closes.
Proactive state regulation will ensure Missouri is prepared regardless of how the federal landscape evolves, while immediately addressing the youth-access and public health concerns already affecting our region.
Incentivizing Private Investment in Prevention through Enhanced Tax Credits
Advocate for the creation of an enhanced state tax credit program, modeled after successful philanthropic incentive programs in Missouri (like the Maternity Home Tax Credit which offers 70%), to significantly increase private-sector investment in certified Prevention Resource Centers. Specifically, champion legislation that raises the tax credit percentage (e.g., to 70% or higher) on qualifying cash donations to promote substantial and sustained philanthropic support for evidence-based community prevention and early intervention services.
Sustaining and Expanding the Behavioral Health Workforce:
Support legislation that recognizes and dedicates funding to the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) workforce, including efforts to expand career development, reduce barriers to certification and employment, and ensure these vital community health workers are integrated into the full continuum of care as a core component of Missouri’s public health response to SUD.
Tobacco 21 Enforcement and State Licensing
Work with state stakeholders to achieve full continuity between Missouri State law and the Federal Tobacco 21 mandate (raising the legal age for all tobacco and vaping products to 21). Crucially, this involves advocating for state-level licensing of all tobacco and nicotine retailers. Missouri is currently one of the few states that does not require a state tobacco retail license, which severely hinders the ability of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (DATC) to conduct comprehensive compliance checks and levy effective penalties against repeat retail violators. PreventEd does not support efforts to preempt local jurisdictions from creating laws and ordinances that fit their specific needs.
Expanded Naloxone Access and Co-Prescribing
Support policies that enhance community-based distribution of naloxone, particularly for high-risk populations. This includes advocating for a Missouri legislative mandate to co-prescribe naloxone alongside opioid prescriptions for patients meeting high-risk criteria (e.g., high morphine milligram equivalent/MME, concurrent benzodiazepine use, history of overdose). Additionally, we support policies that ensure zero-cost naloxone availability for community outreach organizations.
Increased Alcohol Excise Tax
Advocate for an increase in Missouri’s alcohol excise taxes, which are among the lowest in the nation and have not been significantly adjusted for decades. Increasing the tax rate on alcoholic beverages is one of the most effective, evidence-based public health interventions for reducing excessive alcohol consumption, related injuries, and chronic disease across the entire population, directly generating revenue that can be earmarked for prevention services.
