A $2 million federal grant announced on April 20 by Gov. Bill Walker will be used to support prevention, treatment and recovery services combat heroin and opioid addiction in Alaska.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds are from the two-year State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants.
Alaska is making major efforts to address this public health crisis and it’s good to see the federal government recognizing the work done to date, Walker said.
“This funding will be of vital importance as we continue our efforts to address our opioid epidemic by providing the resources and the supports individuals need to break the cycle of opioid abuse, and create a safer Alaska,” he said.
The $2 million grant is part of an immediate disbursement of federal STOG funds to all 50 states and six U.S. territories to address the opioid crisis.
The governor issued a 30-day disaster declaration on Feb. 14 so naloxone could be distributed statewide. Naloxone, used to counteract narcotic overdoses, blocks or reverses effects of opioid medication, including loss of consciousness.
On Feb. 16, Walker issued Administrative Order 283, which directed state agencies to prioritize resources to combat the opioid epidemic and apply for federal grants for prevention, treatment and enforcement related to opioids.
On March 21, Walker signed into law Senate Bill 91, which authorizes the chief medical officer of the Department of Health and Social services to issue a standing order for the prescription of an opioid overdose drug.
