New Hampshire secures nearly $30 million in federal funds to combat opioid crisis
(MyKeeneNow) – New Hampshire is set to receive nearly $30 million in federal funds aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing substance use disorder (SUD) crisis, thanks to efforts led by the state’s Congressional delegation.
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, played pivotal roles in securing the $29.9 million through the State Opioid Response (SOR) program, according to a news release.
The funds are part of the fiscal year 2024 budget and will provide critical resources for combating the opioid epidemic, which has had devastating effects across New Hampshire.
Senator Shaheen, who has long championed efforts to increase funding for SUD prevention and treatment, hailed the grant as vital to helping local organizations fight the opioid crisis, the release said.
She said the state while has seen a decrease in overdose fatalities, there is still significant work to be done. She stressed the need for a sustained focus on evidence-based solutions to ensure that communities in New Hampshire have the tools necessary to fight the fentanyl crisis.
Representatives Kuster and Pappas also expressed their support for the funding, noting the broad impact of substance use disorder on families and communities across the state. Kuster described the crisis as requiring an “all-hands-on-deck response,” while Pappas emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and cracking down on drug traffickers.
The SOR program has been a key component in providing federal resources to states dealing with the opioid crisis. Through their work in Congress, Shaheen and Hassan have helped ensure that New Hampshire continues to receive significant funding for these efforts. Over the years, their leadership has resulted in a dramatic increase in federal support for treatment and prevention programs.
In addition to securing this funding, Shaheen has been instrumental in the passage of the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, which was designed to give states more flexibility in how they use SOR funds. This legislation, passed in 2022, also expanded the scope of the grants to cover stimulant misuse, including drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine.
The nearly $30 million in funding will go toward supporting addiction treatment, recovery programs, and prevention initiatives across New Hampshire, as state leaders continue their fight against the opioid epidemic.
