Grants to fight opioid addiction offered to cities, counties

Nearly $23 million in grant money is being offered to Oklahoma municipalities and counties to help combat opioid addiction, state lawmakers announced Friday.

The grants will be funded with proceeds from settlements that Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter negotiated with opioid manufacturers. The grants were established through legislation that was passed and signed into law this year.

“I wanted tole tour municipalities and counties know that monetary relief to help them combat the ravaging effects of opioid addiction among their community members is close at hand ,” said House Appropriations and Budget Chair Kevin Wallace, R-Wells ton. “Legislation we were able to get signed into law this year will help establish the parameters of how this funding will be awarded in away to best serve those communities most affected.”

The grant money will be overseen by a ninemember Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board which will determine grant eligibility and distribute the funds.

All cities and counties are potentially eligible for at least a portion of the grant funds, according to a spokesman for the attorney general's office.

“I wanted to let our municipalities and counties know that monetary relief to help them combat the ravaging effects of opioid addiction among their community members is close at hand. Legislation we were able to get signed into law this year will help establish the parameters of how this funding will be awarded in a way to best serve those communities most affected.”

House Appropriations and Budget Chair Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston