LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) just scored a major win – $109 million over the next three years to fight substance use disorders (SUD) in the state. With a hefty $36.4 million already in hand for FY 2024, MDHHS is gearing up to continue to take on the opioid crisis and tackle other substance abuse issues head-on.
The funding comes from something called a State Opioid Response grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which comes from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. The money was awarded to the state by the Biden-Harris Administration to “advance the President’s unity agenda for the nation.” In their press release about the grant funding, the Biden-Harris Administration says, “In the past four years, these programs have connected hundreds of thousands of people to substance use disorder treatment, supported millions of people in recovery, and enhanced naloxone saturation efforts across the country. We’re incredibly proud of these efforts and are following through on our commitment to expand prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery infrastructure across the nation.”
Where’s the money going?
The money is not just going to a couple of clinics with the state calling it a day. Michigan has big plans for the federal dollars. From medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to overdose prevention, here’s a taste of some of what’s in store:
- Phone-a-Doc: A new “warmline” lets people get connected to a MOUD prescriber.
- Peer Support Everywhere: Peer recovery “coaches” will help folks in recovery, showing up in places like jails, emergency rooms, and even parole offices.
- Helping the Youth: Evidence-based programs will target prevention in schools and communities.
- Naloxone on the Rise: Michigan’s ramping up naloxone distribution and overdose education, because saving lives in the moment matters.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to combat opioid crisis.
Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director says about the funding, “These federal funds help our state address the multi-generational impact of the opioid epidemic as well as well as the racial disparities that exist with substance use disorder. Programs focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery are saving the lives of Michigan residents each and every day. We will use these dollars to continue investing in supports, improvements and enhancements that further our efforts to decrease substance use disorders, improve treatment options and improve recovery success.”
Tribes and recovery homes in the mix.
MDHHS isn’t just sticking to using the funding for Michigan cities. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Inter-Tribal Council will also benefit from this funding. They’re getting help for things like treatment programs and education about harm reduction. And for those struggling with homelessness or addiction, recovery housing will now be more available and safer according to MDHHS.
Throwing more money at the problem. Will it work?
Michigan’s been on the receiving end of some serious federal help since 2018, with $254 million already spent fighting SUD. Unfortunately, the problem hasn’t gone away – but the money keeps flowing in – along with an additional $1.6 billion from opioid settlements through 2040.
The new grant adds more fuel to the fight. Whether it’s distributing naloxone or helping someone find housing while they recover, Michigan is pushing hard to fix the issue from every angle.
Only time will tell if this funding blitz will deliver the knockout punch needed to end Michigan’s opioid epidemic – or if it’s just another band-aid solution.
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