Nearly $12 million in funding from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is set to benefit drug treatment initiatives across Washington State. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
“These DOJ grants recognize the need for treatment in our state, and also highlight the good work being done here to break the cycle of addiction,” stated Gorman. She added that acquiring this funding involved a competitive process, congratulating counties, tribes, and organizations that secured these grants.
The Washington State Health Care Authority will receive the largest portion of these funds, totaling $7 million. This grant aims to enhance substance use treatment programs within communities as well as state jails and correctional institutions. It also includes provisions for opioid overdose training for law enforcement officers and a peer mentoring program aimed at individuals leaving prison with substance use disorders.
Pierce County is set to receive $1.6 million to improve substance abuse treatment options in rural areas with a focus on justice-involved adults. The outcomes of this initiative will be analyzed for best practices.
Grays Harbor County has been awarded $1 million to expand Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatments available at Grays Harbor County Jail. The county plans to provide both mental health and SUD treatments while collaborating with the Coastal Community Action Program to extend services to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community.
Progress House Association, a private non-profit organization, will receive $833,000 aimed at enhancing treatment and recovery services for 170 incarcerated individuals across King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties. The funding targets both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
Two tribal nations are among those benefiting from these grants. The Tulalip Tribes of Washington have been allocated $718,151 to expand their Family Wellness Court by hiring a dedicated Social Worker and Recovery Support specialist focused on aiding families affected by substance abuse disorder with an aim toward family reunification and reducing long-term out-of-home care placements for children.
The Lummi Nation will utilize its $550,000 grant to establish a Mental Health Court tailored for tribal citizens dealing with both mental health challenges and substance use disorders through integrated treatment plans designed to enhance support.
