During last Thursday’s session, the Erie County Legislature approved accepting a US Department of Justice Grant of $854,233 to help fight the opioid epidemic.

The grant will be awarded over the next three years to plan and implement a new program in conjunction with Dr. Martin Floss, Chair of the Criminal Justice Administration program at Hilbert College. The grant is expected to be used to provide services to people serving probation sentences who are suffering from addiction. It would also create two peer navigators positions and one probation officer position to supervise clients with opioid related substance use issues.

“This grant will expand services to individuals suffering an opioid addiction,” said Legislator John Mills. “It is important to strengthening Erie County’s fight against the opioid epidemic and continuing to bring the number of overdose-related deaths down throughout our community.”

“This funding will help us continue to address the opioid epidemic in Erie County,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon. “Hopefully, once implemented, the program established through the grant will connect individuals on probation who suffer from an opioid addiction with the proper treatment and resources.”

“Opioid abuse and opioid-related deaths have steadily declined in Erie County, but that doesn’t mean our fight is over,” said Legislator Joe Lorigo. “I’m happy to support this additional funding to expand addiction treatment resources and continue our success in battling the opioid epidemic.”

More information can be found here.