U.S. Attorney Dena J. King | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced that over $6.8 million in federal grants have been awarded to six counties in the Western District of North Carolina. The funding aims to combat opioids, stimulants, and other substances while supporting local treatment programs.
The grants are administered by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program. This initiative seeks to aid communities with prevention, diversion, treatment, and recovery for individuals affected by substance use disorders.
Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that "there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023," with 81,083 attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
"The funding allocated to Western North Carolina will strengthen local efforts to fight the opioid crises and its impact on our communities," stated U.S. Attorney King. "These grants further our commitment to work with our local partners to support public health and help build safe and healthy communities."
The six counties receiving funds include:
- Catawba County: Awarded $1.3 million for its Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (L.E.A.D.) and Medicated Assisted Treatment (M.A.T.) programs.
- Gaston County: Received $1,219,877 for services provided to children and families in foster care due to parental drug use.
- Henderson County: Granted $1,299,000 to enhance its Recovery Community Center's capacity.
- Jackson County: Secured $998,952 for a comprehensive program addressing the overdose crisis.
- Transylvania County: Obtained $999,947 for its Bridging Reentry: Expanding Access to Treatment and Holistic Care (BREATH-C) program.
- Wilkes County: Allocated $999,900 for a program increasing access to recovery support services.
BJA provides funding through various programs. More information about available grant opportunities can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding.
