alex-azar-named-to-head-hhs

HHS Secretary Alex Azar

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) just released the second year of funding to 50 states, four U.S. territories, and the free associated states of Palau and Micronesia, totaling $485 million to continue the nation’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

“The Trump administration is partnering with states and territories to accelerate the deployment of this historic level of resources provided by the Congress to fight the epidemic,” explained HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “These funds will help support evidence-based efforts at the state level to prevent misuse of opioids in the first place, expand access to effective treatment options for people in need, and support recovery for those who have prevailed.”

The Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grants, which were created by the 21st Century Cures Act, are administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within HHS.

Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, said, “Within the first year, we have already seen states use the funding to support innovative models to connect Americans with the evidence-based programs and practices proven to help people who have opioid use disorders.”

Grantees have used first year funding to implement effective medication-assisted treatment, promote the use of naloxone and key prevention strategies, and build sustainable systems of recovery support services across the country. Prevention efforts include communications campaigns along with use of proven community-based strategies. People in recovery, friends, and family members with personal experience are helping enhance recovery support.

This funding is just one more step in implementing HHS’ comprehensive five-pronged strategy to address the opioid crisis, a spokesperson said. Within the next few months, SAMHSA will release details of a separate $1 billion grant funding opportunity for states, territories and tribes hardest hit by the crisis. This new funding is expected to be awarded in September 2018.