NewsLocal NewsMichigan

Actions

State announces $80M in new federal funding to fight opioid crisis

Posted at 1:33 PM, Sep 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-28 14:05:20-04

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan is getting more money from the federal government to fight the opioid epidemic.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the $80 million in federal funding on Monday. It includes $36.4 million from a new grant and $43.1 million from an extension of an existing grant.

The funds will be used to support prevention, treatment and harm reduction services.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated families across Michigan, and we must continue to do everything we can to end it," Whitmer said. "This funding will help prevent more opioid deaths and help those struggling with addiction recover.

"I will continue working closely with Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and members of the Michigan Opioids Task Force to keep Michiganders safe.”

Officials say the crisis has become worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, with calls to emergency medical services for opioid overdose 22 percent higher from April to July 2020 than during the same period in 2019.