Claudia Tenney
Rep. Claudia Tenney

Department of Health and Human Services to Administer First Round of 21st Century Cures Act Grants

Today, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) announced that New York State will receive a $25.2 million federal grant, through the Department of Health and Human Services, to combat the growing opioid crisis. The grant is the first of two rounds provided for by the 21st Century Cures Act.

The $25.2 million will be used to provide much-needed assistance to our state, including prevention, treatment and recovery services. This funding will work to reduce the number of those who are unable to receive treatment, reduce the number of opioid overdoses and develop a long term comprehensive solution.

“Our communities continue to suffer from this tragic health crisis that has plagued our nation. The opioid epidemic is hurting our families, burdening our healthcare providers and bringing an influx of crime to our region,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.“All too often, I have heard heartbreaking stories from parents across the 22nd district who have lost their children to this pernicious scourge. Meanwhile, our law enforcement officers and first responders are forced to adapt to the evolving health crisis without the tools or resources they need to do so.”

“Combatting this epidemic requires cooperation, understanding and diligence across all levels of government and must include input from healthcare providers, law enforcement and our first responders. The important funding provided by the HHS will assist in bringing these areas of service together to develop a caring, effective and comprehensive solution that will adequately respond to this evolving epidemic.”

Over 144 Americans die of an overdose every day. In Oneida County, 38 died of opioid overdoses last year. While Broome County lost 76 people to drug overdoses, 90 percent of which were opioid related.

In total, $485 million will be awarded to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six U.S. territories. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, funding rates for each state and territory were based on the unmet need for opioid addiction treatment and the number of overdose deaths.

The Department of Health and Human Services has prioritized five specific strategies to combat the epidemic:

  • Strengthening public health surveillance
  • Advancing the practice of pain management
  • Improving access to treatment and recovery services
  • Targeting availability and distribution of overdose-reversing drugs
  • Supporting cutting-edge research

In March, Rep. Tenney joined a bipartisan group of over 60 Members of Congress in calling for the continued funding of Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in the 2018 fiscal year budget. Rep. Tenney also spoke on the House floor about the growing epidemic in New York’s 22nd District.

By martha

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