Continuing Fight to Curb Opioid Epidemic, Tester Announces Nearly $2.5 Million to Combat Public Health Crisis

Funds will help state track overdose data, provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services

U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will receive nearly $2.5 million in Department of Health and Human Services funds to combat opioid misuse.

The $2,410,752 State Opioid Response grant will help DPHHS address the growing incidence of substance misuse by more quickly and accurately tracking overdose data and providing flexible funding to support prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This additional federal investment will ensure that DPHHS can best meet the needs of Montanans struggling with opioid misuse.

“The opioid crisis is a public health emergency that is hurting families across Montana,” said Tester. “These funds will help the DPHHS folks on the front lines continue their fight to combat substance misuse, especially in rural areas, and keep Montanans healthy and safe.”

The State Opioid Response grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provide funding to state governments to support prevention, treatment, and recovery. This program is especially focused on providing evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment.

Tester has relentlessly pushed for more resources to address the opioid crisis. He secured $10 million to fight the epidemic in this spring’s government funding deal, and has introduced legislation to combat misuse of drugs on college campuses. Tester also delivered $1.5 billion to help states treat substance misuse and addiction by reauthorizing the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Grant Program and he has cracked down on drug trafficking by securing millions for programs like the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area grants, the Drug Free Communities program, and Drug Courts.

Read more about Tester’s efforts to combat substance misuse HERE.