Entities to receive $25 million to combat effects of opioid use

By The Star Staff

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia and Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López announced on Tuesday that 42 entities will receive funds to combat the impact of opioid use in Puerto Rico.

“Managing the opioid crisis is a priority for our government, and these funds represent a significant step toward providing the necessary tools to those who need them most,” Pierluisi said in a written statement.

Selected entities, which include public, private, academic and nonprofit organizations, will receive a total of $25 million to improve and expand access to services for individuals affected by opioid use disorders.

“We are focused on addressing the root causes of the opioid situation and providing education, prevention and treatment tools accessible to all sectors of our population,” Mellado said.

Funding will be allocated to three main areas: treatment and harm reduction, prevention and education, and research and data management.

Among the organizations that will receive funding are the Coalition of Pro-Homeless Coalitions of Puerto Rico, the Community Research Initiative, PR CoNCRA, Hogar Crea, and several academic institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico.

The Opioid Recovery and Restructuring Fund Advisory Committee will oversee the efficient use of funds and maintain active oversight of the initiatives promoted.