Maryland Announces $10 Million in Grants to Fight Addiction
Throughout the United States, opioid addiction continues to kill hundreds of people each day. In the state of Maryland alone, 1,985 people died last year from opioid overdose. We are in a state of emergency, and officials have continued to scramble when it comes to real solutions. Larry Hogan, Maryland’s Governor, and his Administration recently announced $10 million in grants that are going toward ensuring local jurisdictions across the state of Maryland are equipped to take on the opioid epidemic with lifesaving resources, prevention, and treatment programs. These grants are set to be a part of the 2020 fiscal year budget.
$4 million in block grants will help local Opioid Intervention Teams fight the epidemic and $5.6 million will go toward prevention and education, public safety and treatment programs. Prevention and education efforts will also be working to expand law enforcement-assisted diversion programs to help those suffering with addiction enter treatment programs instead of the legal system. There will also be money funneled into public schools’ systems, awareness campaigns and support for families that are dealing with, or have dealt with, addiction or addiction related deaths.
In additional to law enforcement and school systems, there will also be an initiative to help support EMS education statewide for treating overdoses. Enforcement and Public Safety initiatives will include education aimed at increasing how prescribers of controlled substances are monitored. When looking at treatment and recovery efforts, nearly $60,000 will help reduce barriers to life saving treatment in Baltimore City as well as $380,000 that will improve access to naloxone statewide. The $10 million in grants are the result of efforts made between the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
While an end might not be “in sight,” it is important to continue to create new solutions to help those suffering with addiction and their families. The best option for those struggling with addiction is to enter treatment and begin their journey towards recovery. To learn about treatment, and what options are available to you, call Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833-440-8646.
FRESH START RECOVERY CENTER IS APART OF TruHealing Centers, AN AMATUS HEALTH MANAGED ADDICTION AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROVIDER. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.AMATUSHEALTH.COM
