Middletown Opens Grants For Opioid Use Disorder Services

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown is offering grants to nonprofit agencies that provide services to residents affected by opioid use disorder, part of the city's response to a national opioid settlement that will send funding to states and local governments over the next 18 years.

According to the city, the broader settlement with major opioid distributors and manufacturers will allocate about $24 billion nationally during that period. Connecticut is expected to receive more than $600 million, and Middletown is projected to receive about $900,000 over the next 18 years.

The city said the grant program is intended to support local work addressing the opioid crisis and helping individuals and families in the community. Middletown also said it worked with the Greater Middletown Opioid Task Force to create what it described as a fair and transparent process for distributing the opioid settlement funding.

According to the city, that collaboration reflects the task force's vision of building a healthier community through a multi-sector approach that brings together different stakeholders to address opioid use. The city said a subcommittee was formed to work with the Middletown Health Department on grant administration and to help make sure the funding distribution matches community needs and priorities.

“I am pleased to announce that we will be providing funding to agencies to support projects that will help people who are impacted by opioid use disorder,” said Mayor Gene Nocera. “This is an important opportunity for our community to invest in effective solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this epidemic.”

The city said the effort is aimed at promoting recovery, prevention and support for people affected by opioid use. It also said the funding process was designed with local input as Middletown prepares to direct its share of the settlement money toward community-based services.