MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Middletown is going to great lengths to battle the Opioid Epidemic by offering grants to nonprofits that give essential services to residents who are impacted by opioid use disorder.
According to a release from the city on Wednesday, the initiative is connected to a landmark settlement with major opioid distributors and manufacturers. The settlement will allocate around $24 billion nationally over the next 18 years to state and local municipalities across the country.
The state of Connecticut will receive more than $600 million through the settlement over the next 18 years, and approximately $900,000 will go to the city of Middletown. The funds will be used locally to support efforts addressing the crisis and offer necessary relief to community members.
Middletown says it is working with the Greater Middletown Opioid Task Force to establish a fair and transparent process for the allocation of its opioid settlement funds. According to the city, the partnership reflects the task force’s vision of fostering a healthier community by using a multi-sector approach.
The city and task force aim to unite various stakeholders to address the opioid crisis as effectively as possible. A subcommittee has been formed to work with the Middletown Health Department; it is focused on grant administration and making sure the distribution of funds lines up with community needs and priorities.
Together, the city and task force endeavor to create solutions that have a broad impact and promote recovery, prevention and support for those who have been affected by opioid use.
“I am pleased to announce that we will be providing funding to agencies to support projects that will help people who are impacted by opioid use disorder,” Middletown Mayor Benjamin Florsheim said. “This is an important opportunity for our community to invest in effective solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this epidemic.”
One can click here to access the City of Middletown website and view grant information and an application.
Grant applications will be accepted beginning on Nov. 12. All applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 17.
For more information, one can contact Kevin Elak at 860-638-4972 or email him at kevin.elak@middletownct.gov.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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