State Attorney General Russell Coleman has announced a new round of grants funded by opioid settlements. In March, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, which is part of the AG’s office, awarded grants worth nearly 20 million dollars to 75 organizations across the state to fight opioid addiction and substance use disorder. Coleman said there’s a new focus this time.
“What we're talking about here is an additional $5 million that we have opened up to fund innovative efforts at treatment, using technology, using innovative new interventions. We are seeking novel therapeutic interventions.”
Applications will be accepted from July 1 to December 20. Coleman doesn’t mince words when he discusses the origin of the grant funds.
“Those that have lost sons and daughters and moms and dads view this money that we have clawed back from those companies that created this crisis, they view it as blood money. So every one of these dollars we have a duty to invest to get the most bang for our buck.”
In January, Coleman announced a $110 million settlement with Kroger for its role in Kentucky’s opioid crisis. Grant settlement funds are split between the state and local governments.
