Seven organizations have been awarded grant funding from the Tri-County Community Action Agency as part of a statewide effort to prevent and reduce opioid use and overdose. An estimated $170,000 will be distributed through January 2020.
In April, the Tri-County Regional Prevention Coalition issued a request for proposals for Community-Based Opioid Overdose Solution Grants, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). BHDDH has awarded State Opioid Response (SOR) funds to all seven Regional Prevention Coalitions across the state. Tri-County serves Region 1, consisting of Johnston, North Providence, Cranston, Scituate, Smithfield, Glocester and Foster.
Grant funding was awarded to the Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School in North Providence, the town of Johnston, the Smithfield Public School Department, Tobacco Free Rhode Island, the Cranston Police Department, the Scituate Health Alliance and the Rhode Island Student Assistance Services.
Grants will be used to fund innovative programs, services and activities that support opioid use education and prevention. Initiatives will be focused on a broad range of activities including reducing access to opioids, prevention of use and overdose, and training and education.
“We are excited to work with these seven organizations, and to share our commitment to addressing the opioid crisis in our state,” said Joseph R. DeSantis, president and CEO of Tri-County. “Each of these organizations bring unique perspective on program strategies. We look forward to watching their programs develop over the next several months.”
The long-term goal of the solicitation is to reduce opioid overdose, with short-term outcomes to increase perception of risk or harm associated with opioid use, to increase access to recovery supports and to increase access to naloxone and knowledge of rescue strategies. Each of the seven grant recipients will use the grant funding to implement various programs outlined in their individual grant applications. Grant funding may be extended beyond the original funding period based on program performance and the availability of additional funds.
The Tri-County Regional Prevention Coalition works with school departments, substance use and mental health organizations, law enforcement and other community organizations to establish community-wide plans to promote emotional health and wellness and to deliver substance use prevention services.
For a complete list of Tri-County programs, visit tricountyri.org.
Tri-County Community Action Agency, headquartered in Johnston, is a private, nonprofit, community service agency providing a broad range of programs, services and support to individuals and families in need throughout Rhode Island.
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