N.J. To Receive $13 Million To Combat Opioid Crisis

New Jersey will receive a $13 million federal grant to help in the fight against heroin and opioid addiction. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awarded the money by the 21st Century Cures Act, bipartisan legislation that allocates $485 million to states and territories this year to help combat the ongoing opioid epidemic sweeping across the country.

Funding will support a comprehensive array of prevention, treatment and recovery services that will vary from recipient to recipient. Funds were awarded based on overdose rates and unmet needs for opioid addiction treatment in each state and territory.

The HHS grant provides funding for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. The grants will be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

"Through a sustained focus on people, patients and partnerships, I am confidence that together we can turn the tide on this public health crisis," said HHS Secretary Tom Price in a letter to state governors.
California received the most money, $44 million. Eleven states received $2 million.

During 2015, about 16 out of every 100,000 New Jersey residents died as a result of drug-related overdoses, according to a study from the nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) released earlier this month.

RELATED: Gov. Christie Signs Drug Treatment Expansion Into Law

Christie signed legislation last year that expands drug addiction treatment programs throughout New Jersey. The program establishes law enforcement-assisted addiction and recovery programs. It also requires law enforcement agencies to develop and implement guidelines to recruit and train officers, volunteers and treatment providers to participate in the programs.

In March, President Donald Trump named Governor Chris Christie chairman of the newly-formed commission to address the country's growing drug-addiction crisis.

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