(Photo by John Moore, Getty Images)
Three multi-year federal grants focused on combating opioid use have been awarded to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
The grants will amount to an estimated $3 million annually. One three-year grant from the Center for Disease Control totals $750,000, and will focus on data collection, analysis, policy review and public education on opioid overdoses.
The other two grants come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The first will fund $1 million annually for up to three years to expand medication-assisted treatment in the state. The second will provide another $1 million annually for five years to purchase and distribute naloxone, as well as train first responders on its use.
Gov.  Bill Walker stated in a press release his appreciation for this federal funding to help save lives and support Alaskan families and communities hurting from opioid addictions.
The grant period began on Sept. 1.
