DOJ allocates $7 million to Washington prisons and communities for addiction recovery. King County to receive money too.

King County, Washington – Washington State has received a substantial financial boost in its fight against drug addiction, thanks to nearly $12 million in federal grants aimed at enhancing drug treatment programs. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman, stressing the great need for these resources in the state, announced this large budget allocation by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

Focused on expanding and supporting drug use treatment services, the grant seeks to help recovery in many counties and tribal communities around Washington State.

“These DOJ grants recognize the need for treatment in our state, and also highlight the good work being done here to break the cycle of addiction,” Gorman said. She also pointed out the competitive nature of the funding process and congratulated the recipients for their successful applications.

The lion’s share of the grant, a whopping $7 million, has been allocated to the Washington State Health Care Authority. This part of the money is meant to support drug use treatment initiatives housed inside state-run prisons and in local environments. This project emphasizes a complete strategy to address addiction through the provision of support at several phases of the cycle of addiction and recovery.

Read also: Deportation flights at Boeing Field in Seattle resume after Ninth Circuit ruling in ICE’s favor

Moreover, the grant will help law enforcement personnel receive training on opioid overdoses, therefore arming them with necessary tools to control and handle overdose events. A further noteworthy element of the financing is a peer mentorship program meant to assist those fighting drug use disorders leaving jail. This program is meant to give these people the required direction and help to reintegrate into society successfully.

Apart from the significant contribution given to the health care authority of the state, various funds have been given to particular counties and ethnic communities. Among the grantees are the Lummi Nation, Washington’s Tulalip Tribes, Pierce County, Grays Harbor County. Critical in these areas, the funds are set aside for the development and improvement of local drug treatment centers and initiatives.

Read also: Downtown Seattle is evolving and aims to make riding, walking, and rolling not just practical but also enjoyable ways of transportation

The private non-profit Progress House Association has received a noteworthy grant of $833,000. 170 prisoners from King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties will have treatment and recovery services improved with this money. Treating co-occurring mental health issues and drug use disorders—often entwined and requiring comprehensive approaches to properly address—will take front stage.

Like many other states in the nation, Washington State is still struggling with the issues of drug usage and the opioid crisis, hence these funds are rather important right now. The Department of Justice’s investments in local and tribal treatment programs not only give financial support but also recognize the continuous efforts of these areas to fight addiction.

Read also: Seattle faces affordable housing crisis. New law expected to change everything and make housing affordable again.

The way the funds are used should significantly impact the success of drug treatment and recovery initiatives all over the state. The goal is to provide a stronger support network for people affected by drug use disorders by improving current programs and adding new services, therefore promoting better communities.