By EMS1 Staff
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $144.1 million to help with opioid addiction treatment and prevention.
“Those supporting prevention, treatment and recovery efforts in our local communities are heroes in our nation’s battle against the opioid crisis,” HHS Secretary Tom Price said. “On our nationwide listening tour, we have heard how critical federal resources can empower their efforts to meet the challenges of substance abuse and addiction, especially with the opioid crisis. These grants will help expand treatment and recovery services to pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with substance abuse, train our first responders to effectively use overdose reversing drugs, improve access to medication-assisted treatment and increase long term recovery services. Together, we can heal communities and save lives.”
The grants will be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. According to their National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2016 an estimated 11.8 million people misused opioids, including prescription pain relievers and heroin.
“Opioid use disorders continue to plague our nation,” Mental Health and Substance Use Assistant Secretary Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz said. “These funds will support and expand prevention, treatment and recovery services in America’s communities.”
The funding will be distributed to 58 recipients, including states, cities, health care providers and community organizations for three to five years.