HHS awards $53 million to combat opioid epidemic

The Department of Health and Human Services announced on Aug. 31 that it will distribute $53 million in funding to 44 states — including Washington State — as well as four tribes and the District of Columbia to be used in the battle against opioid addiction. The funding will pay for improved data collection and analysis around opioid misuse and overdose with a focus on improving access to treatment for opioid use disorders, curbing deaths and bolstering prevention efforts. Click here to read more about the funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (Tim Pfarr)