Indiana gets another $11M to combat heroin, opioid abuse

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal agency has awarded Indiana nearly $11 million for the second straight year to fight the state’s opioid abuse crisis.

The Health and Human Services funding is among $485 million recently awarded nationwide to combat heroin and opioid abuse. The money is part of the 21st Century Cures Act. 

Indiana was awarded $10.9 million, the same amount it received last year. That funding supports a variety of prevention, treatment and recovery services for people addicted to opioids.

Both U.S. Representative Susan brooks and U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly say the money is greatly needed. 

Brooks says the federal money provides “a greater sense of hope” to people suffering from substance abuse, their families and law enforcement, first responders and medical personnel working on the epidemic’s front lines.

Donnelly said, “This grant funding is another infusion of much-needed resources to help fund prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in Indiana as we attack the opioid epidemic from every angle.” 

Recently, senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly introduced two bipartisan bills to help combat the opioid crisis in Indiana. The state has control of where the money is specifically allocated.