McGovern, Neal Announce $100,000 Grant to Help Fight Opioid Crisis in Rural Massachusetts

Press Release

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Congressman Richard E. Neal (MA-01) announced a $100,000 Rural Opioid Overdose Reversal (ROOR) Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help rural Massachusetts coalitions to prevent opioid overdose deaths. The grant will support efforts led by the North Quabbin Community Coalition, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region in partnership with Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

Collectively called the "Northwest Opioid Overdose Reversal Project," this project is the only awardee in Massachusetts and one of just 18 nationwide. This grant program supports the purchase and placement of naloxone (a drug that reverses signs of a drug overdose), and training for its use by licensed healthcare professionals and community members in rural areas. The grant will also support efforts to develop, strengthen and formalize policies and partnerships that increase awareness and implementation of overdose education and the use of naloxone as well as referrals to treatment for someone with an opioid use disorder.

"In Massachusetts, our families and communities are feeling the effects of the opioid crisis every day. Working together with leaders at the local, state, and federal level, we are making progress and I know this grant will help us build on those efforts," Congressman Jim McGovern said. "With this investment in our rural communities, the North Quabbin Community Coalition and the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County will have the resources they need to help those suffering from opioid addiction. We must do all we can to ensure that treatment is available to those who seek it. I am proud to have strong partners like Congressman Neal as we continue the work to end this crisis. "

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