NH Delegation Announces $725,000 for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention in Jaffrey and Dover
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior appropriator on the Labor-Health and Human Services (L-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today with U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) $725,000 in federal funds for Reality Check, Inc. in Jaffrey and the City of Dover for substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Specifically, Reality Check, Inc. in Jaffrey was awarded $300,000 to expand recovery services and mobilize resources to improve long-term recovery outcomes, educate people on addiction and reduce stigma. The City of Dover was awarded $425,000 through two awards: $375,000 for New Hampshire’s Partnership for Success Grant and $50,000 for NH’s Dover Coalition for Youth STOP Grant Act. Both awards prioritize substance misuse prevention.
“New Hampshire has been on the frontlines of the substance use disorder epidemic for years, so our response to finally turn the tide must be comprehensive and consistent. These federal awards tackle both ends of the crisis – prevention and treatment – to address the full scope of the epidemic,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who specifically authored a letter of support for Jaffrey’s award. “These resources will play an important role in Jaffrey and Dover to reduce stigma, invest in education and prevention and support long-term recovery efforts. Helping those affected and keeping the next generation safe from succumbing to this public health emergency will continue to be my top concerns in the Senate.”
“Tackling the opioid epidemic requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. We need to look at this crisis from all angles, from increasing mental health resources to supporting law enforcement to reducing stigma,” said Senator Maggie Hassan. “New Hampshire has dedicated professionals committed to stemming the tide of this crisis, and this federal funding will go a long way to helping provide support and resources to New Hampshire communities who are on the frontlines of this fight. I’ll continue to push for more funding so that individuals and families can have the care and support that they need as we keep combating the substance misuse epidemic.”
“This federal investment in the health and well-being of Granite Staters will help expand access to treatment for those who are struggling, reduce the stigma around addiction, and bolster prevention efforts,” said Representative Annie Kuster, a founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. “Addressing the evolving substance use disorder crisis requires a comprehensive approach, and these funds will go a long way to prevent addiction and support Granite Staters in recovery. I’m glad that these funds are headed to communities in our state, and I’ll continue working to ensure those who are struggling have the resources they need to recover and thrive.”
“The addiction epidemic requires diligent and constant action from all levels of government. These funds will support coalitions that work to prevent substance abuse, promote healthy choices for our youth, help those suffering from addiction, and develop evidence-based strategies to address gaps in substance misuse prevention,” said Representative Chris Pappas. “These needed resources will support the wellbeing of our communities, and I will always keep fighting in Congress to address this epidemic.”
On Monday, the New Hampshire congressional delegation announced more than $28.5 million in State Opioid Response Grant funding. Shaheen and Hassan have led efforts in Congress to combat the substance use disorder epidemic, both through Shaheen’s leadership on the L-HHS Appropriations subcommittee and Hassan’s position on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Over the last five years, New Hampshire has received more than $140 million from SOR grants that Shaheen and Hassan have secured to combat the opioid epidemic in the state, with the hardest-hit state set-aside responsible for the majority of those funds. The FY2022 funding bill that Shaheen helped write continues to provide flexibility provisions that she authored to allow for SOR grant dollars to be used to support treatment and recovery for cocaine and methamphetamine use, in addition to opioid use. Shaheen and Hassan led efforts this year to prevent a steep cliff in SOR funding, securing a commitment to protect New Hampshire funding from Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra. Shaheen and Hassan's efforts have led to a more than tenfold increase in federal treatment and prevention funding for New Hampshire. Last week, Shaheen reintroduced her legislation with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that would improve the SOR program by providing additional investments in flexibility for states and local communities.
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