WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced $167,000 in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis in Anne Arundel County, as part of $2.4 million for Maryland overall. This investment will help health centers increase access to high-quality integrated mental health and substance abuse disorders services, including opioid addiction. The funding, awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of the Integrated Behavioral Health Services program, will go to:
- Owensville Primary Care, Inc. in West River, MD: $167,000
“Despite some progress and a lot of hard work, the opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Maryland and nationwide,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee. “What gives me hope are the innovative strategies I’ve witnessed around Maryland to serve individuals with the combination of services they need to ultimately overcome addiction. These federal funds will support our hardworking and dedicated local health centers in furthering that effort.”
“The opioid epidemic is ravaging our communities, and health centers are on the front lines of combating this scourge. This funding will give our community much-needed resources to treat people impacted by addiction – ultimately pulling them back from the brink and putting them on the path to a healthier life. It is just one part of the federal effort to tackle this public health crisis, and I will keep fighting until we end this epidemic,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“The Owensville Primary Care will receive this federal funding to assist in the fight against the opioid epidemic in Anne Arundel County,” said Congressman Hoyer. “We must continue to work together at every level of government throughout Maryland to address this crisis. I will continue to work with state and local partners to ensure we are doing everything we can to help individuals suffering from addiction.”
HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated, and/or economically or medically vulnerable. This funding was possible through passage of the FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
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