DOJ Targets more than $5.6 Million to Address Opioid Addiction in Washington State

The Department of Justice is awarding more than $5.6 million to agencies in the State of Washington to address the opioid epidemic through increased treatment, prescription monitoring, emergency services and drug courts, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  The two largest grants – a total of $1.7 million will fund efforts by the state Department of Health to link prescription monitoring data with various public health databases to help medical professionals and others make data-informed decisions on treatment and prevention of prescription drug abuse.

“From large cities to rural areas and tribal communities, the Department of Justice is dedicating resources to support local efforts to combat opioid abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  “These funds support a range of services including drug treatment, prescription monitoring, overdose mitigation and housing support which in turn will reduce demand for opioids and the terrible damage from addiction.”

The Seattle Police Department in partnership with the Department of Corrections is receiving a $900,000 grant to provide treatment services to those in custody or re-entering society after prison.  Services include counseling and stable housing to prevent a return to prison.  With a $498,180 grant, the North Mason Regional Fire Authority in Belfair, Washington will partner with Peninsula Community Health Services to establish a Quick Response Team.   The team composed of first responders and law enforcement works to reduce opioid abuse and overdose fatalities.  The Makah Indian Tribe received a $458,285 grant to establish a team approach to provide services as an alternative path to cycling in and out of the judicial system.  Finally, the Puyallup Tribe will receive $875,048 to provide community reentry services such as treatment and vouchers for housing, and transportation for those reentering the community from prison or from inpatient treatment.

Two drug courts received funding.  The City of Lakewood received $550,000 for a drug court focused on the needs of veterans.  Clark County received a $399,074 grant for its juvenile drug court program focusing on youth with substance abuse disorder.

The Washington State Patrol received a $250,000 grant for its crime lab program designed to reduce the backlog of cases waiting for toxicology and forensic testing.  Laboratories have been overwhelmed with drug seizure testing requests as well as analysis related to opiate related deaths.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Program is the first major federal substance use disorder treatment and recovery legislation in 40 years and the most comprehensive effort to address the opioid epidemic. CARA establishes a comprehensive, coordinated, and balanced strategy through enhanced grant programs that expand prevention and education efforts while also promoting treatment and recovery. The Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based program was developed as part of the CARA legislation signed into law on July 22, 2016.