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Governor Ralph Northam's Office Press Release:
RICHMOND – Today, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Virginia had received $ 15,809,989 in state grants for opioid response (ORS) from the US Administration of Services Addiction Treatment and Mental Health (SAMHSA). These federal funds provide targeted assistance to states fighting the current opioid crisis. The Commonwealth has now received SAMHSA grants to fight the opioid epidemic for three consecutive years, for a total of $ 35,334,653.
"The complexity of addiction requires intervention at all levels and we need all the resources we can to do this," said Governor Northam. "This federal funding is an essential part of our collective efforts with medical providers, community organizations and other local stakeholders to address the opioid crisis in Virginia. These resources will help ensure that treatment and support services reach all corners of the Commonwealth.
SAMHSA is providing these grants to support current state efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. As with previous federal grants, the funds from this opportunity will be distributed to communities to support the prevention, treatment and recovery efforts administered by the Virginia Community Services Commissions. In addition to expanding access to Medically Assisted Treatment (ART) for opioid-related disorders, Virginia has provided funding for community-based prevention efforts, peer support, and other community-based initiatives. recovery.
"These grant activities will help develop infrastructure in our behavioral health system that meets the needs of people where they are, which is critical," said Daniel Carey, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. . "They will also help us address a wide range of substance-related disorders, not just those related to opioids."
The grant also includes a research component in partnership with the Virginia Higher Education Collaborative to help CABs provide evidence-based interventions tailored to their needs.
"Effectively addressing an epidemic of this magnitude requires local, state, and federal cooperation," said S. Hughes Melton, MD MBA, Commissioner, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. "This grant will make possible the therapy, proven medications and prevention efforts that have advanced the opioid epidemic in Virginia. We continue to think that we can reverse these terrible trends. "
The Commonwealth has taken a number of steps in recent years to combat opioid overdoses and increase the treatment of Virginians with substance use disorders, including by increasing access to naloxone, reviewing opioid regulations, and amending In 2017, the Department of Medical Services of Virginia (DMAS) established a comprehensive addiction treatment program called the Drug Abuse Treatment and Recovery Program (ARTS). The expansion of Medicaid in January 2019 will make these services available to a larger number of Virginians who currently have no coverage for the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
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