Colorado Department of Law Allocates $8.25 Million for Opioid Crisis Response Assistance
The Colorado Department of Law has announced $8.25 million in funding to combat the opioid crisis in the state. The announcement was made during the third Colorado Opioid Abatement Council Conference in Loveland by Attorney General Phil Weiser. The funding will be distributed to five county jails and 19 organizations as “Opioid Response Strategic Impact Grants.”
Opioid use, particularly fentanyl, has become a major issue leading to drug overdoses in Colorado. The grant money will be used for various purposes, including providing medications and support services for opioid use disorder at jails and organizations serving different populations. Weiser emphasized the importance of making Naloxone, a treatment for opioid overdoses, readily available to save lives.
The Attorney General’s office received 83 grant applications totaling $48 million, indicating the significant need for assistance in combating the opioid crisis. The grant recipients include county jails and organizations focusing on peer services, treatment, naloxone support, housing options for individuals struggling with addiction, and family support.
Weiser highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the opioid crisis and expressed a commitment to making treatment available to those in need. The funding will support a variety of initiatives aimed at improving and saving lives in Colorado.
The grant recipients include various organizations such as 5280 High School, North Colorado Health Alliance, and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, among others. Weiser concluded by stating that together, they will work towards building stronger and safer communities in Colorado.
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