State gets more federal funding to combat opioid addiction
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island has been awarded more federal funding to combat opioid addition.
The state's congressional delegation announced the increase on Friday. They say Rhode Island's share from a grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will rise from $2.1 million last year to $12.5 million.
The program helps states increase access to medication-assisted treatment and reduce opioid overdoses through prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, says the funding is much needed and long overdue.
The state health department says 323 Rhode Island residents died of accidental drug overdoses in 2017.