Washington state to get grant to combat opioid crisis

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Friday it will provide a National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) to the Washington State Department of Employment Security to help fight the opioid crisis.

The grant totaling more than $886,000 will help with disaster relief jobs and employment services for eligible individuals in five counties in the state that are affected by the effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdoses.

People who are eligible for the grant will take on the role of peer recovery specialists under disaster-relief employment, assisting people impacted by the opioid crisis.

The grant is also expected to assist with the provision of career-training and other support services for those who identify themselves as being impacted by the crisis.

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The grant could possibly be used to provide career-training and support services to those seeking to transition into professions affected by the opioid crisis.

The federal government has streamlined the process for states to apply for National Health Emergency DWGs under the health emergency declaration. The declaration went into effect after the opioid crisis was declared a national public health emergency in October 2017.

Cox Media Group