Hancock, Johnson and Scott Counties receive funding to involve and engage community
SCOTTSBURG, IND. – As co-chair of Indiana’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller commends the recent announcement by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to provide nearly $86 million in grants to fund support programs across the country to improve access to treatment for opioid use disorders, reduce opioid related deaths, and strengthen drug misuse prevention efforts.
In Indiana, three programs were awarded grants:
- Scott County Partnership, Inc. on behalf of CEASe (Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of  Substances) of Scott County
- Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse, an organization based in Greenfield
- Upstream Prevention, Inc. on behalf of Empower Johnson County
“This is certainly a step in the right direction,†said Zoeller. “Indiana and other states have been calling on the federal government to help us respond to the overwhelming drug addiction crisis that is crossing state lines and impacting so many in our nation, and we’re finally seeing some activity. There is desperate need for a concerted effort on use prevention and addiction treatment strategies, as well as more resources for these programs.â€
Zoeller has worked on both the state and federal levels to address drug abuse, championing legislation, advocating for funding and, most recently, establishing a statewide grant program to encourage and create an opportunity for first responders in Indiana to be trained and equipped with using the life-saving drug, naloxone.
On behalf of the Task Force, Zoeller has advocated for expanded availability and use of naloxone. In 2014, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that provides immunity from civil lawsuits to law enforcement and other first responders who administer naloxone to overdose victims in the course of their duties. In 2015, further legislation was passed that allows medical professionals to prescribe naloxone to family members and others who provide care or services to those at risk of overdose.
“There is no quick or simple fix to stopping drug abuse, but we believe we are beginning to make important progress to reverse this tragic trend,†said Zoeller.
Visit www.BitterPill.IN.gov for more information about the Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, naloxone expansion efforts and other responses to the state’s opioid overdose crisis.
Note: The Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force will host its annual Rx Symposium, October 13 and 14 in Indianapolis. Members of the public interested in administering naloxone or wanting more information on how to register for the symposium, visit here.
