Harkins, Merski applaud grant awards to Booker T. Washington Center
Rep. Robert Merski December 17, 2024
ERIE, Dec. 17 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, said they are thrilled to announce the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' future grant awards to the Booker T. Washington Center in Erie. The grants, with a combined total value of more than $1.87 million, will be distributed over a 29-month period from Feb. 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
The grant funding will be instrumental in expanding drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorders. This initiative is a significant step forward in providing essential support and resources to those in need, ensuring they have access to the care and assistance required for recovery.
"We are immensely proud of the Booker T. Washington Center and their unwavering commitment to our community," Merski said. "These grants will enable them to expand their vital services, offering a lifeline to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
“We are truly thankful for this dedication to enhancing the lives of our residents, which will directly contribute to fostering a healthier, stronger Erie."
Harkins added, "This funding is a testament to the Booker T. Washington Center's hard work and dedication in their ongoing mission to be a beacon of hope in the Erie community.
“By equipping them with the resources needed to enhance their drop-in center services, we are making a significant stride in addressing the opioid crisis and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery."
The funding for the grants is provided, in part, from the portion of opioid settlement funding appropriated to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs by the General Assembly during the 2023-24 fiscal year. This allocation underscores the state's commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and supporting community-based initiatives that make a real difference, the legislators said.