NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The North Dakota Health and Human Services is funding healthcare facilities across the state to help combat the Opioid epidemic.
During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers in North Dakota passed ND Century Code 50-36.
The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee was created under this code and has been granted $8 million from the Opioid Settlement Fund to HHS. For the years of 2023-2025, 20% of these funds must be used for the prevention and treatment of opioid addictions and overdoses. Out of 65 applicants across the state, 14 agencies will receive funding for this program.
“These dollars will help put strategies in place to help prevent individuals from developing an opioid disorder in the first place,” explained Behavioral Health Division Policy Director Laura Anderson, “and helping support those individuals who may be struggling. Really, to help save lives.”
Some of the 14 recipients include Endeavor Sober Living, the Heartview Foundation, and the First District Health Unit.
In February, the Opioid Settlement Committee will begin distributing money to those who received the grant — but first, the selected agencies are required to sit down with the advisory committee and explain how they will use the funds. However, each of the organizations has the potential to change things for those who struggle with addiction in our state.
“In 2023,” Anderson stated, “the preliminary data does show a decrease in the number of individuals who died from opioid overdoses compared to 2022. We’re hoping that we are bringing change, and that with this funding and efforts, we’ll continue to see that change.”
Anderson said that there is a potential that during the next legislative session, there could be additional funds allocated from the Opioid Settlement Funds. She also says that even though there were agencies that were not awarded, they still provide resources to everyone in the state related to opioid overdoses.
For more information on the program, visit this page on HHS’s website.
