State OKs $5 million in grants to help those in recovery for opioid use

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will be making available $5 million in funding for grants to support people in recovery from opioid use disorder and their families. Three million in grants will be available for entities to deliver employment support services to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) seeking to enter the workforce, and $2 million will go towards funding for entities to deliver recovery support services.

The grants are part of the $55.9 million SAMSHA grant secured by the Wolf Administration to bolster the state’s response to the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic.

“A key component to an individual’s sustained recovery is the right services and supports – whether that’s help finding and retaining a job or help incorporating family into the recovery process,” Gov. Wolf said. “Providing access to support is vital to sustained recovery and a successful, fulfilling future for everyone involved in the journey through opioid use disorder.”

“To date, we have significantly expanded access to treatment, and we are starting to shift our focus to the entire continuum of care, including career services and incorporating family members more into the recovery process,” Drug and Alcohol Programs Sec. Jennifer Smith said. “These grants will enable organizations to give individuals the necessary tools to succeed after treatment and empower their recovery.”

For the $3 million in employment support services, all applicants must identify at least one employer partner who is committed to providing employment opportunities to individuals in recovery from OUD. Grant funding will be awarded up to $200,000 for a wide variety of eligible items, including vocational assessments, resume writing, interviewing skills, job placement; and transportation assistance related to employment.

MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE PHOTO The opioid crisis is a serious problem in Chester County.