New grant for Warren, Page and Shenandoah Counties to help with the opioid epidemic

The Warren Coalition acting as the lead agency for the Northwestern Prevention Collaborative is thrilled to announce that it was awarded a million-dollar grant over the next three years by the Health Resources and Services Administration.  This grant will provide prevention, treatment and recovery funds in Warren, Page and Shenandoah Counties.

Christa Shifflett, Executive Director, of the Warren Coalition said, “ The timing of this grant couldn’t come at a better time for our area.  COVID-19 has unfortunately created the perfect conditions for relapse, overdoses, and new people initiating opiate use as people are stressed and isolated. We are on track to surpass the record number of overdose deaths (40) set in 2017 for the Lord Fairfax Planning District and resources were desperately needed to help turn the tide on the resurging opioid epidemic.’

The funds will bring, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services into Northwestern Community Services clinics in Warren and Page Counties.  It also provides funds to help people who are seeking treatment, but don’t have the funds/insurance to pay for it or MAT medications, or need transportation to get to treatment.  There will now be a reentry case manager for people coming out of RSW to try and help returning citizens have their basic needs taken care to try and reduce recidivism rates.  Case management will also be offered to people who overdose to help people who want to get into treatment get those pieces put into place.

On the prevention side, the grant will focus on decrease stigma around the disease of addiction, increase people’s understanding on how childhood trauma increases the likelihood that people will struggle with substance use and mental health disorders as adults and what communities can do to help change these outcomes.  The grant will ensure that Narcan is available for law enforcement to use in the event of overdoses and continue to provide online Narcan trainings in collaboration with Northwestern Community Services.  Materials to help reduce access to opiates like drug disposal bags, lockboxes, and timer caps will also be available free of charge to people.  Online education and support services will be offered to families who have loved ones who struggle with the disease of addiction and online supports will also be promoted for people who are in recovery.