WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 19, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the second year of funding for the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grants to 57 states and territories totaling $485 million to continue efforts to combat the opioid crisis, including $11,790,256.00 for Washington state. SRT grants were created by the 21st Century Cures Act, which the Congresswoman supported and was signed into law in 2016.

“The number one thing I hear from local leaders, who are on the front lines combating the opioid crisis, is that they need more resources to save lives. To support them and address this need, we created the Opioid State Targeted Response grants in the 21st Century Cures Act, which became law in December 2016, for states to increase access to treatment, help people recover, and develop prevention programs.

“I’m pleased to see that the Administration today announced its plans to deploy the second round of grant funding under this program. As we work to build on its success, my colleagues and I on the Energy and Commerce Committee share in the commitment to rescue our communities from the deadly hold of addiction.

“House Republicans have been leading the charge by taking repeated action to understand and combat this crisis. We have launched investigations, held hearings, worked with experts, and drafted legislation on this front, and our efforts will continue. No state, community, or family can fight this battle alone– nor should they have to.”

NOTE: The FY2018 Omnibus appropriated an additional $1 billion to the Opioid State Targeted Response grants. The allocations for that additional funding will be announced in September 2018.