Press release
MUSKOGEE—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced over $1 billion in funding for a new round of grants to combat the opioid crisis nationwide. Over $1.8 million was awarded to Native American tribes by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is in addition to the $50 million specifically allocated for tribes for their efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
“Indian Country has been hit hard by the opioid crisis,” said Mullin. “American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest opioid overdose rate in the country—higher than any other minority. I am glad to see HHS award grant funding to tribes across the country so tribal leaders can secure the resources and services necessary to turn the tide of the crisis devastating their communities.”
Congressman Mullin advocated strongly for tribes to receive their own opioid funding, rather than having to petition the state for grant funding. HHS will allot an additional $50 million to tribes on September 30, 2018.
This allotment fulfills the legislative intent of the Tribal Addiction and Recovery Act (TARA), which Congressman Mullin introduced in March that allows tribes direct access to federal opioid grants and permits grants to be used to treat all substance abuse disorders.
