The Broome County Health Department announced today the recipients of the opioid overdose prevention funding grants. $13,000 was made available to partner with subcontractors in Broome County for a mini-grant program to support local organizations working to fight the opioid epidemic in our communities.
The funds were awarded to two Broome County agencies and include: The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC) and Truth Pharm. Activities awarded include work to strengthen opioid related education and harm reduction tools in Broome County including access to Narcan and increasing the awareness of resources for those with a substance use disorder.
“I am excited about the projects awarded and look forward to seeing the work in action. It’s great to offer our community partners the opportunity to explore new ways of saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders, added Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator.
Applicants were awarded $6,500 for each project. Contractors will have until 12/31/2022 to complete the proposed activities. Executive Director of Truth Pharm, Alexis Pleus said “I am excited and thankful to be supported by Broome County to continue our lifesaving work. The training we developed and delivered under a grant from Broome County in 2019 saved multiple lives as reported to us by the locations where we provided the training. Together we can raise awareness and end overdose fatalities in our communities."
“The Addiction Center of Broome County is very pleased to be awarded a mini-grant from the Broome Opioid Abuse Council,” said Carmela Pirich of ACBC. “The funds will be put to good use, in providing a harm reduction vending machine, to give people in the community ready access to harm reduction supplies.”
“Today we will partner for a better tomorrow to save more lives in Broome County,” added Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive. “These grassroots efforts will be another step in building the foundation of prevention, education, treatment and recovery.”
