Senator Collins Announces Maine to Receive More Than $2 Million to Fight the Opioid Crisis

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award the State of Maine $2,039,029 to fight the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic.  HHS is releasing a total of $485 million in funding to all 50 states to combat drug addiction.

“The heroin and opioid abuse epidemic is tragically fueling a record number of overdose deaths and is taking a devastating toll on families and communities in Maine and across the country,” said Senator Collins. “This funding will support vital programs that provide hope, recovery, and healing to Mainers who are struggling with addiction.”

The funding provided by HHS was authorized through the 21st Century Cures Act, which was championed by Senator Collins and signed into law in December 2016.  That Act included five provisions authored by Senator Collins.

Last year, there were 376 deaths from drug overdose in Maine and more than 52,000 nationwide.