Massachusetts May Get $20 Million to Fight the Opioid Crisis

Heroin photo via istock.com/sdominick

Massachusetts could receive up to $20 million to fight opioid abuse, under the White House’s proposed $1.1 billion effort to ease the crisis nationwide.

On Tuesday, the White House released a state-by-state breakdown of proposed funding. Each state’s allotment was based on the severity of opioid abuse within its borders, and its existing treatment and prevention resources.

“The President has made clear that addressing this epidemic is a priority for his Administration,” the release reads. “Without the resources necessary to prevent opioid use disorders and increase access to treatment and recovery services, pending legislation this year would do little to help the thousands of Americans struggling with addiction get the treatment they urgently need.”

Massachusetts—which, between 2010 and 2014, had the 13th-highest accidental overdose rate in the country, at 19 deaths per 100,000 residents—may apply to receive up to $20 million, which would go toward improving local treatment options. The final award, however, will depend on Congressional decisions and the strength of the Commonwealth’s application.

Fifteen states, including Massachusetts, are eligible to receive $20 million or more. California may apply for up to $78 million, far and away the highest amount, despite having the the 40th-highest accidental overdose rate nationwide. West Virginia, which has the highest drug poisoning rate in the  country, may apply for $10 million.

Earlier this year, several Massachusetts law enforcement agencies received $2.5 million in federal grant money, also to address opioid abuse. The Commonwealth also took legislative action against the public health crisis in March, when Governor Baker signed into law a bill that aims to curb, regulate, and improve opioid prescription.