West Chester University Gets $99K Grant To Fight Opioid Scourge

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University has received a major federal grant to combat the opioid epidemic.

The school has received $99,936 to expand their opioid preventative programs available to students. The programs may include raising campus awareness, reducing stigma, increasing access to overdose reversal trainings, and grief support.

“We consistently attack the state’s opioid crisis from all angles, and this grant will enable additional focus on an integral part of our work – prevention,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “Educating college students on the risk of opioid use and training institutions of higher learning on how to administer naloxone are two ways we can save lives and lessen the impact of this crisis.”

The funding, which was secured by Gov. Wolf's administration, comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

In Pennsylvania, college-aged residents aged 18 to 30 are one of the highest hit demographics, officials noted. Chester County and southeastern Pennsylvania have not been immune.

“The opioid epidemic has sadly impacted Chester County tremendously, so it is crucial to educate as many people as possible on the risks of opioid use and how to administer naloxone,” State Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-156) said in a statement. “I’m confident that these funds will help save lives on West Chester’s campus and in the community.”

All told, nearly $1 million was disbursed to 13 different colleges and universities around Pennsylvania, including West Chester and nearby Immaculata.