Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub
Rep. Robert Merski June 27, 2023 | 3:17 PM
ERIE, June 27 – The Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse has been awarded $310,000 in grant funding to establish a regional recovery hub, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today.
“Much like other parts of the country, Erie continues to grapple with an epidemic of substance use disorders that oftentimes leads to lives being upended, overdoses, and in the most tragic of instances, individuals succumbing to their illness and passing away,” Merski said. “Make no mistake, this is a public health crisis, and the more we continue finding avenues to get folks the help they deserve, the sooner we can rid ourselves of this dark cloud that continues to steal the vibrant light away from members of our community.”
Harkins said, “This influx in funding will provide the foundation and support necessary for our residents struggling with substance use disorders, while giving them the tools they need to get their lives back on the right track. Erie residents always fight the good fight, and winning this battle is imperative to the health and well-being of our county. I am optimistic this initial round of funding will be crucial to what will be a countywide success story.”
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.