Recognizing the continuing impact of the national opioid epidemic, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has dedicated $1 billion in funding through a new awards program called the Five-Point Strategy to Combat the Opioid Crisis. The program will empower communities to implement strategies to curb opioid abuse and addiction.
"Addressing the opioid crisis with all the resources possible and the best science we have is a top priority for President Trump and for everyone at HHS," Alex Azar, HHS secretary, said. "The more than $1 billion in additional funding that we provided this week will build on progress we have seen in tackling this epidemic through empowering communities and families on the frontlines."
A priority for the Trump administration, opioid intervention continues to be a major public health issue that representatives on both sides of the aisle are committed to addressing.
Elements of the large grant are broken into blocks and include:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—$930 million in State Opioid Response grants
- Health Resources and Services Administration— more than $396 million in investments to enable community health centers, academic institutions, and rural organizations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention— $155.5 million to increase support for states and territories working to prevent opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and other outcomes