WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced nearly $20 million in funding to combat the opioid crisis in Oregon. This money will go to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Indians, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians among others.
“I have heard heart-wrenching stories from Oregonians and members of tribes who have lost loved ones after a prescription for an injury or treatment turned into an addiction,” said Merkley. These funds will have a real impact on our fight to beat this epidemic.
“No community has been left untouched by the pain and struggles of the opioid crisis, and sadly, most of us know someone who has felt its cruel impacts directly,” Wyden said. “This public health crisis isn’t going away unless we tackle it head on. The more we invest in prevention, treatment and recovery, the more lives we will save, and we can’t and won’t stop here.”
States are provided funds to develop tailored approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid use disorders and/or stimulant use disorders through the SOR program. Along with access to lifesaving medication to treat opioid use disorder, the program also provides access to psycho-social services and community supports. The TOR program enables the development of these same comprehensive approaches among tribal communities.