PROVIDENCE – Twenty nonprofit agencies "on the front lines of addressing the state's opioid crisis" have been awarded $1.3 million in grants to continue their efforts.
The grants are funded from money the state is receiving through settlement agreements the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office reached in litigation filed against manufacturers, distributors and sellers of opioid painkillers. According to the agreements, the settlement money, $250 million, must be spent to prevent opioid abuse and help with treatment and recovery.
Over the last decade, at least 3,470 people in Rhode Island have died from accidental drug overdoses, including at least 403 last year, according to the state Department of Health.
The awards were announced by the Rhode Island Foundation in partnership with the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
"Rhode Island’s priorities are to prevent overdoses, overdose deaths and opioid misuse by identifying, developing and evaluating multi-level strategies and interventions," EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest said. "As such,EOHHS is pleased to partner with the Rhode Island Foundation to award these grants in three categories:basic needs support, family support and trauma support."
More:How are RI's cities and towns spending their opioid money? Here's what we found.
Who received basic needs grants?
The basic needs grants provide help for individuals and families who are affected by substance use or opioid use or who are at risk of an overdose. The funding pays for "care packages," such as bedding, food, clothing and transportation, among other expenses.
The following agencies received basic needs grants:
- Access to Recovery
- AIDS Care Ocean State
- Bridgemark
- Children’s Friend and Service
- Community Care Alliance
- Mathewson Street United Methodist Church
- Project Weber/RENEW
- Rhode Island Hospital
- Thundermist Health Center
Access to Recovery expects its grant to help about 200 people in recovery. The agency will give people in need up to $500 for bedding, clothing, furnishings, bus passes and other needs.
"This help will afford them the best opportunity to obtain and maintain their recovery while feeling dignified throughout the process," said Jonathan Goyer, chairman and president of the organization. "Our overall vision of success with this project is to see individuals exit a lifestyle of active and dangerous substance misuse and enter into one of recovery and wellness that increases the quality of life for themselves and their impacted families and friends."
Who received family support grants?
The family support grants pay for programs by organizations made up of or serving the families of people who use drugs, families of people in recovery, or families of people who have died because of an overdose.
The following agencies received family support grants: Friends Way, Interfaith Counseling Center, Progreso Latino, Sharieff’s Foundation Project, Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council.
Progreso Latino will use the grant to connect people to bilingual peer and family support groups, as well as other resources, including social services, wellness activities and educational opportunities. The organization will also offer preventive youth mentorship programming and chronic-pain management courses for adults.
Mario Bueno, executive director, said, "Our work will address the unique needs of individuals in active drug use, those in recovery and their families and loved ones.Our primary goal is to offer a spectrum of support services tailored to the diverse needs within these communities. Recognizing the intricate challenges faced by marginalized populations, we aim to break down barriers, bridge gaps and enhance access to vital services."
Who received trauma support grants?
The trauma support grants provide services for first responders and peer harm reduction and recovery specialists. The focus is on addressing post-traumatic stress due to the sharp rise in overdoses.
The following agencies received trauma support grants: 2nd Act Org, Centro de Innovacion Mujer Latina, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Medicine Horse, Melior (Asthenis) and Thundermist Health Center.
2ndActwill use the grant to support a peer-alliance initiative.
Rebecca Harris, executive consultant said, "Peers often play the important role of first responders in their communities: responding to overdoses, de-escalating mental health crises and supporting people in early recovery. Peers face serious mental health challenges while compensating for the systemic failures that confront those they serve. There is deep distrust among peers toward traditional care providers due to pervasive stigma among clinicians, and a collaborative, supportive setting tailored to peers is necessary to meet their needs."
In-Depth: More about the opioid settlement
The grants announced this week were the second round of grants funded by the settlements. Last year, the Rhode Island Foundation awarded $3.25 million to 15 nonprofit organizations.
“While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by opioid manufacturers, distributors, and consultants to Rhode Islanders and their families, I am thrilled that the funds my office has recovered will continue to be put to good use through these local nonprofits,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said.
“Decades later, opioid addiction continues to wreak havoc on our state, and I commend these nonprofits for their commitment towards treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts," Neronha said.
The Rhode Island Foundation received 44 applications for the grants.
Foundation President and CEO David N. Cicilline said, "People who are living with the consequences of this tragic epidemic on a daily basis are under tremendous psychological, financial and emotional stress. As the state’s community foundation, we are pleased to be a partner in ensuring that this crucial funding is put to work getting Rhode Islanders the help they need to lead healthy lives."
Governor Dan McKee said, "As we tackle the overdose crisis, we remain united in our efforts to save and enhance lives. We are grateful to the Rhode Island Foundation for their partnership as we work together to better the lives of those impacted by this epidemic."
