$155K in grants go toward fighting opioid crisis in R.I.

PROVIDENCE – A total of more than $150,000 in grants has been awarded to a number of groups across Rhode Island to help combat the opioid crisis and bolster prevention efforts.

Distributed by the Southern Providence County Regional Coalition, the $155,188 in federal state opioid response grants it received from the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals was distributed using a competitive bid process.

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Johnston received $39,379 to form an opioid task force to increase awareness and improve prevention efforts. The creation of a website, brochures and a community forum are included in the effort.

Smithfield High School and Gallagher Middle School received $20,500 for a joint project with the Anti-Defamation League. The groups plan to train peer leaders and emphasize students’ place in the community to try to help head off unhealthy choices.

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Other recipients were:

  • Tobacco Free Rhode Island received $29,000.
  • The Cranston Police Department received $22,084.
  • The Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School in North Providence received $21,000.
  • Scituate Health Alliance received $20,100.
  • Rhode Island Student Assistance Services received $9,125.

“We have to work together, and this allows the regional coalitions to identify and support approaches that are tailor-made for each region. I look forward to seeing the results,” said Rebecca Boss, BHDDH director and co-chair of Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s Task Force on Overdose Prevention and Intervention.