The State of Alaska has officially provided funding to the Kenai Peninsula Borough to help fight against opioid addictions.
These funds were allocated to the KPB by the State of Alaska and are the result of a settlement between the state and drug manufacturers and pharmaceutical distributors.
According to a press release, approximately $58 million has been received by the state to date with 9.5% of those funds being distributed to boroughs.
“Opiate addiction has been a big, big problem in the state of Alaska, and we’re not immune to it here on the Kenai Peninsula. There’s a lot of people that need help. I think that these grants are going to go a long way to help mitigate that problem here on the Kenai Peninsula,” said Kenai Peninsula Borough Communication Director Joe Rizzo
The KPB has opted to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, and medical facilities to support their remediation efforts designed to address the misuse and abuse of opioid products. Successful grant recipients must make a strong case for their ability to treat or mitigate opioid use or related disorders, and/or mitigate other effects of the opioid epidemic.
This round of grant funding totals $170,458 and will be awarded to five recipients, each receiving approximately $34,000.
“This funding is going to be granted to a nonprofit and the private sector who deal with this issue, and it’s going to include medical providers and nonprofits that deal with opiate addiction and other addictions,” said Kenai Peninsula Borough Communication Director Joe Rizzo.
“The opioid crisis is a serious problem not only for Alaska but for us here in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Too many of our families are dealing with the devastating effects of addiction and resulting loss. The KPB is in full support of combatting this problem through state grants provided to the private sector and non-profits. These state funds give them the tools needed to aid those looking to overcome addiction. Treatment is key to helping people get their life back on track and becoming contributing members of society. It’s in
everyone’s interest to effectively deal with this issue,” said Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche.
Organizations that are eligible for this funding are nonprofit entities current with the State of Alaska, medical providers and mental health providers with active licenses to practice under their respective Alaska Boards, with no actions against their licenses in the prior three years, and who are not in arrears in any amounts owed to the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Businesses who employ medical providers or mental health providers with active licenses to practice under their respective Alaska Boards, with no actions against their licenses in the prior three years, and who are not in arrears in any amounts owed to the Kenai Peninsula Borough are also eligible. And finally, Native Tribes and Corporations that have not received opioid settlement funds previously, and have by resolution waived immunity from suit for claims arising out of activities of the council related to the grant may apply.
Applications are due by 4:00 PM on March 15th. Non-profit organizations, tribal entities, and medical providers all qualify to apply for these grants.