Texas will receive millions of dollars to fight Opioid addiction
SAN ANTONIO- A newly awarded federal grant may help fight the opioid crisis throughout the nation.
Now, with approval from the Trump administration, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services will administer grants totaling more than $480 million across the nation. More than $27 million will be awarded to Texas. The money would help cities expand providers of Opioid recovery and addiction services. Right now, there are 17 in the state, one being in San Antonio.
Opioid addiction is a national crisis that is also sweeping neighborhoods in San Antonio.
“It's not just here. We may see it here for several reasons that's another story but this is a national epidemic,” said Tinker Mass.
District Five councilwoman Shirley Gonzales says the problem is growing in San Antonio.
"People are openly using drugs in the street and in vacant lots and in vacant properties,” said Gonzales.
Councilwoman Gonzales says the city is doing something about it.
"Chief has a new program where we are targeting specifically violent offenders, drug houses and crack houses. In the district, that program has been very effective but it does nothing for recovery and for addiction, it's strictly enforcement,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales says right now, there is a gap to fill when it comes to addiction recovery.
“So having funding that can go directly to addiction and recovery is that big gap,” said Gonzales.
The funds would also be used for prevention, training, outreach, treatment and recovery services.
Right now, it is unclear exactly how much and when funding could be seen in San Antonio but neighbors say whatever the amount, it's needed.
“I'm hoping it goes to outreach and recovery because that's where we'll see the impact on the ground,” said Mass.
