The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that it has awarded nearly $400 million nationwide to combat the opioid crisis, including $21 million to Ohio.
According to a press release, the awards support HHS’ five-point opioid strategy, introduced under President Donald Trump in 2017.
Between 2016 and 2018, the number of patients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction at health centers funded by the HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration has increased 142 percent.
Of the $21 million awarded to Ohio, $7 million will go towards supporting 43 different health centers across the state.
“Health centers and behavioral health providers are on the front lines of the fight against the opioid crisis and substance abuse, especially in rural communities,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a press release.
HHS announced that it has awarded more than $111 million to 96 rural organizations across 37 states as part of its Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. As part of this funding, 80 rural communities received awards of $1 million each to implement a set of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. According to ABC 6, Ohio will receive $5 million under this program.
“With our evidence-based strategy, HHS is working to support local communities in fighting back against substance abuse, and our unified efforts are yielding results,” Azar continued. “Together, we can end our country’s opioid crisis and lay a foundation for a healthier country where every American can access the mental healthcare they need.”
Tom Engels, acting administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, said the awards demonstrate “the administration’s commitment to ending this crisis.”
“President Trump stands with Ohioans in their fight against the opioid epidemic and is committed to providing essential resources to combat this crisis on the front lines,” said Mandi Merritt, regional communications director for the Republican National Committee.
More information on the awards can be found here.
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of Battleground State News, The Ohio Star, and The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
