Kentucky will receive $31.48 million as part of $1.8 billion in grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat the opioid crisis.
The money comes from the State Opioid Response Grants Program, which was created by legislation passed by Congress in 2016 known as the 21st Century Cures Act. It was designed to promote investment in research and treatment development, cutting through unnecessary regulation that could hinder the development of cures, while also protecting safety.
During a Washington press conference announcing the grants, President Donald J. Trump noted their efforts saw the first nationwide decrease in drug overdose deaths in nearly 30 years, and several states, including Kentucky, have been on a two-year decline.
“In the last two years, overdose deaths have fallen by 24 percent in Ohio, 24 percent in Pennsylvania, 8 percent in West Virginia, 20 percent in Iowa, 16 percent in Kentucky, and 10 percent in New Hampshire, all areas that have incredible problems with exactly what we’re talking about,” Trump said.
Still, he continued, the battle has just begun. “We must continue fighting side-by-side to stop the menace once and for all. Together, we’ll save thousands and thousands of our fellow Americans and the families of so many people. We’ll not rest until every American child can grow up free of the menace of drugs, empowered to realize their full and unlimited potential.”
Members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation echoed the President’s sentiments.
“Although our Commonwealth recently marked the largest decline in overdose deaths in over a decade, important work remains,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville. “The Trump administration and I will continue our commitment to providing federal support to address the scourge of substance abuse with comprehensive solutions. We’ll continue working together to help more Kentuckians maintain long-term recovery and to save lives.”
Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr, R-Lexington tweeted his pleasure with the announcement. “Great news for Kentucky! Funding like this is critical in our continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis facing our Commonwealth and our nation.”
The head of the state’s program to combat illicit drug use, expressed gratitude for the new grant.
“The recent reduction in Kentucky overdose deaths has demonstrated that the increased support from our federal partners is making a huge difference in the Commonwealth,” said Van Ingram, the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
Since 2015, Kentucky has received more than $200 million to help fight the opioid epidemic, according to McConnell’s office.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
