Representative Angie Craig Secures Nearly $1 Million for Rice County to Effectively Address Opioid Issues
The Rice County Opioid Response Council will receive $999,222 to promote public safety, support access to opioid treatment and reduce overdose deaths
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped the Rice County Opioid Response Council secure nearly $1 million to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety and support access to treatment, recovery and harm reduction resources. In June, Representative Craig submitted a letter to the Department of Justice in support of Rice County Community Services' application for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Site-based Program grant.
"I'm proud that the Department of Justice has approved nearly $1 million in funding for Rice County," said Representative Angie Craig. "With this grant, the Rice County Opioid Response Council will be able to effectively address the opioid issues impacting our communities. I've been dogged in working with local leaders to secure this critical funding – and know it will bring tremendous benefits to residents all across Rice County."
The federal funding secured by Representative Craig will assist Rice County in implementing the Comprehensive Longitudinal Efforts Addressing Narcotic Use Proliferation (Project CLEANUP). Project CLEANUP proposes to implement evidence-based and targeted intervention programs to emphasize harm reduction, respond to illicit substance use and misuse and reduce overdose deaths. Overall, this project's initiatives will also promote public safety and support access to treatment and recovery in the community and local justice systems.
A copy of Representative Craig's letter to the Department of Justice can be found here and copied below.
June 13, 2022
Dear Director Moore,
I am writing in support of Rice County Community Services' application for the Fiscal Year 2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program grant. Their application is being submitted in partnership with the Rice County Opioid Response Council. The Rice County Opioid Response Council is comprised of local hospitals and clinics, non-profit organizations, public safety departments and county departments. The funding from this opportunity would assist Rice County in implementing the Comprehensive Longitudinal Efforts Addressing Narcotic Use Proliferation (Project CLEANUP).
Project CLEANUP proposes to implement evidence-based and targeted intervention programs to emphasize harm reduction, respond to illicit substance use and misuse, and reduce overdose deaths. The project's initiatives will also promote public safety and support access to treatment and recovery in the community and local justice systems.
Project CLEANUP will enable law enforcement to intervene earlier with those struggling with substance use disorders. This project seeks to utilize diversion tactics to shift to restorative practices. The project will use the tools of treatment, safe housing, and recovery support to improve outcomes. These support services will also include linguistically appropriate measures, placing a priority on the hiring of bilingual Recovery Coordinators.
The funding from the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program would permit Rice County to invest in Police Assisted Recovery and Deflection Programs (PARD), Pre-charge Adult Diversion Programs (PCAD) and additional recovery support services. PARD and PCAD programs aim to reduce the burden on justice systems and enhance recovery outcomes through the involvement of supportive services including treatment, risk mitigation and basic social services. This will lead to an improved likelihood of restoring those struggling with substance use to healthier and more productive lives.
The State of Minnesota has seen a major spike in substance abuse and overdose deaths over the past 20 years. In 2000, there were 54 reported opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota. This number jumped to 678 in the year 2020. The Rice County Opioid Response Council was founded in 2018 as a response to this increase.
I fully support Rice County Community Services' application for the Fiscal Year 2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program grant. The implementation of Project CLEANUP will undoubtedly be a critical effort to assist in addressing the opioid epidemic across the State of Minnesota and beyond. This opportunity will permit Rice County to make a much-needed investment in law enforcement collaboration, recovery programs and general support services. I urge you to consider their application for this opportunity.
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