Shaheen Applauds Release of Federal Funding for Drug Treatment in NH

Manchester, NH—Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the announcement by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell today that her agency will distribute urgently needed federal funding to improve and expand the delivery of opioid abuse treatment at health centers in New Hampshire.

“These resources are urgently needed in New Hampshire,” said Shaheen. “Every day, these health centers are putting lives back on track. Unfortunately, our treatment providers are overwhelmed and far too many Granite Staters who desperately need treatment can’t find it. New Hampshire needs more support like this from the federal government which is why I will continue to lead the effort in Congress to get emergency funding to the frontlines of the opioid pandemic.” 

The $1.2 million will be distributed by HHS to the following health centers:

Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth: $379,167

Harbor Homes in Nashua: $325,000

Indian Stream Health Center in Colebrook: $221,049

Mid-State Health Center in Plymouth: $316,279 

Senator Shaheen has been leading an effort in Congress to provide emergency funding to first responders and treatment providers around the country who are on the frontlines of the opioid crisis. Her legislation would provide $600 million, including:

Department of Justice

• Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program - $200 million to fund state and local law enforcement initiatives, including prosecution and drug court programs, treatment and enforcement efforts, and prevention and education.

• COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Grant - $10 million to assist state and local law enforcement with high per capita levels of opioid and heroin use, targeting resources to support police operations on the ground. Funds would be used to conduct drug enforcement initiatives and investigations. 

Department of Health and Human Services

• Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant- $225 million for states to fund programs related to prevention, treatment, recovery support and other services.  For many states, this program is the primary source of federal dollars to address the misuse of drugs.

• Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention for States- $50 million to support the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s work on prescription drug monitoring programs, community health system interventions, and rapid response projects.

• Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund- $40 million for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to better coordinate and respond to the national heroin and opioid drug abuse crisis.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse- $35 million for targeted research on drug addiction in order to improve prevention and treatment methods. 

• Strategic Prevention Framework- Partnership for Success- $20 million to address prescription drug misuse and abuse among 12 to 25 year olds.

• Medication Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction - $10 million to improve access in high-risk communities to medication-assisted treatment services for heroin and prescription opioids.

• Safe Schools/Healthy Students- $5 million to support school and community partnerships in efforts to create safe, drug-free environments for learning, and to promote the behavioral health of children.

• Recovery Community Services Program- $5 million to develop organized statewide networks for peer-to-peer recovery support programs.