WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced $334,000 in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis on the Eastern Shore, as part of $2.4 million for Maryland overall. This investment will help health centers increase access to high-quality integrated mental health and substance abuse disorders services, including opioid addiction. The funding, awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of the Integrated Behavioral Health Services program, will go to:
- Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc. in Salisbury, Md.: $167,000
- West Cecil Health Center, Inc. in Conowingo, Md.: $167,000
“Despite some progress and a lot of hard work, the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Maryland and nationwide,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. “What gives me hope are the innovative strategies I’ve witnessed around Maryland to serve individuals with the combination of services they need to ultimately overcome addiction. These federal funds will support our hardworking and dedicated local health centers in furthering that effort.”
“The opioid epidemic is ravaging our communities, and health centers are on the front lines of combating this scourge. This funding will give our community much-needed resources to treat people impacted by addiction – ultimately pulling them back from the brink and putting them on the path to a healthier life. It is just one part of the federal effort to tackle this public health crisis, and I will keep fighting until we end this epidemic,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
HRSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated, and/or economically or medically vulnerable. This funding was possible through passage of the FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
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