Federal Funding Awarded to Combat Opioid Crisis in Oregon's Rural and Tribal Communities

Strategic Insights -

A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), aiming to reduce substance use disorder fatalities in high-risk rural communities. This funding is a crucial step in addressing the opioid crisis, which has torn apart lives in every corner of Oregon, including its indigenous communities. The funds will help break down barriers to substance use disorder care and ensure that at-risk communities receive the help they urgently need.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $300,000 to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for opioid overdose response programs as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).
  • The funding is aimed at reducing substance use disorder fatalities in high-risk rural communities, which face significant obstacles to substance use disorder care.
  • Indigenous communities, including the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, with a pressing need for targeted support and resources.
  • U.S. House Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Tigard), U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have expressed their commitment to combating the opioid crisis, recognizing the urgency of the situation and the critical role of prevention, treatment, and community support.
  • The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on Oregon, with 779 opioid overdose deaths in 2021, accounting for 67% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.

Statistics:

  • The number of drug overdose deaths nationwide has quintupled since 1999.
  • Between 2019 and 2020, opioid-involved death rates increased by 38% and synthetic opioid-involved death rates increased by 56%.
  • In 2021, Oregon saw 779 opioid overdose deaths, accounting for 67% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Tigard)
  • U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
  • U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)