Drug abuse council gets $750k grant

LONGVIEW – The East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse received a $750,000 grant from the Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC) on Thursday as a part of the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis. The OAFC funds were collected by the State of Texas from settlements that the state won against the companies that profited from the opioid epidemic, including various pharmaceutical companies, marketing firms, distributors and even grocery store companies.

According to our news partner KETK, Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Thursday that $48.9 million in Long-term Community-based Opioid Recovery Effort (CORE) grants have been awarded to nonprofits and communities across the state.

“These grants put opioid settlement funds to work where they can make the greatest difference, with the local providers and community partners on the front lines,” Hancock said. “It is encouraging to see these dollars put to good use, helping Texans find hope and a path forward.”

The East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Longview’s $750,000 grant will help support the council’s opioid addiction recovery support services for three years.

“The (OAFC) Council is committed to ensuring that opioid settlement funds reach the communities where they are needed most,” OAFC council member Dr. Scott Milton said. “These grants empower local leaders and service providers to expand access to lifesaving care and build sustainable pathways to recovery.”

To learn more, visit the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse website.