Merski, Harkins: $500,000 available for establishment of Erie County recovery hub

Rep. Robert Merski    April 12, 2023 | 4:15 PM

ERIE, April 12 – The Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse will have access to as much as $500,000 in grant funding for establishing a regional recovery hub, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today.

“Recent data comparing counties statewide shows a comparatively high rate of overdose deaths for Erie,” Merski said. “Bringing these numbers down will require a full-scale effort to increase access to education, specialized treatment programs and other state and local resources that can break the cycle of dependence and promote recovery.

“The new funding to support a recovery hub is a great step forward because it will allow a comprehensive approach that promotes multiple paths to recovery.”

Harkins said, “Recovery hubs are a promising strategy for combatting substance use disorder and returning folks to productive places in our community. The new funding will allow the county to assess our region’s needs and work with other local organizations to develop a plan that combines recovery services, peer and family supports and other resources that engage the community.”

The funding comes from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and is part of a package of $4 million awarded to organizations statewide to establish regional recovery hubs. Grants will be awarded for the 15-month period beginning July 1, 2023, through September 29, 2024.

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