Multiple Jeffco initiatives receive more than $2 million in opioid settlement funding
Ten recipients will split $11.2 million in opioid settlement money to help programs aimed at those struggling with substance abuse.
The Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council (GROC) announced its 10 recipients for the settlement disbursement on Tuesday, including multiple programs throughout Jefferson County.
The grant cycle is the second for GROC — a regional opioid abatement council for Gilpin, Jefferson and Clear Creek counties. The council’s purpose is to administer and distribute settlement money from opioid manufacturers.
All 50 states will split $45 billion over 18 years, with each state then dividing up the money across the specific regions.
The 10 projects will receive the money over two years. All of the projects collectively aim to address the opioid crisis and improve access to treatment and recovery services.
The recipients are:
- Denver Recovery Group
- Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH)
- Resilience 1220
- Recovery Works
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Gilpin County Parks and Recreation
- City of Lakewood Police Department
- Monarch Recovery Services
- Clear Creek Community Crisis and Health Assistance Team
- Advocates for Recovery Colorado
GROC received 47 applications. The council then performed a “rigorous and objective” selection process to choose the eight new programs and two returning ones, according to Program Manager Dr. Chelsea Shore-Miller.
“Funding ethical organizations with a history of success in reducing opioid use disorder addiction and facilitating addiction recovery, coupled with rigorous evaluation projects is vital to mitigating the opioid crisis,” she said. “The GROC voting members and community advisory board members who participated as application reviewers, are confident these 10 applicants meet the standard and are up to the task for propelling positive change.”
One of these recipients includes JCPH’s “Regional Harm Reduction Expansion & Sustainment” program, which received over $1.5 million in funding.
The project focuses on expanding life-saving and data-backed harm reduction services for people in the region who have historically lacked access, according to Michael Miller, HIV and harm reduction program manager at JCPH.
The funding will help expand access to overdose prevention, education and safer supplies at the Points West Syringe Services Program in Lakewood.
“People who use drugs are some of the most underserved and stigmatized in healthcare. By expanding harm reduction across the region, we’re affirming that their lives matter, they deserve support and that stigma or geography shouldn’t stand in the way of care,” he said.
More information can be found at gatewaytotherockiesopioidcouncil.org.