NH Delegation Announces Nearly $150K for NH to Combat Recidivism Among Granite Staters Struggling with Substance Use Disorder

(Washington, DC)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) that the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded New Hampshire $149,405 through the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program. The RSAT program helps states develop and institute programs at correctional and detention facilities for those struggling with substance use disorder in an effort to stem the tide of the crisis and reduce recidivism related to drug related offenses. Shaheen is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds Department of Justice programs.

“I hear it from our law enforcement community all the time: we can’t jail our way out of this crisis. That’s why these funds are so important – so we can confront the root of the problem by ensuring those who are incarcerated and struggling with substance use disorder have access to the treatment they need to get on the road to recovery,” said Senator Shaheen. “Securing the federal resources our communities need to confront the full scope of this epidemic will continue to be a top priority for me in Congress.”

“Addressing crime, reducing recidivism, and combating substance misuse are all inextricably intertwined,” said Senator Hassan. “I’m glad that New Hampshire will receive additional federal funds to help treat those in jail and prison who are struggling with substance use disorders and assist with their reentry. And I will continue working on a bipartisan basis to keep our communities safe and make our criminal justice system more fair.”

“The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “We’ve seen the success of expanded access to recovery and treatment services during incarceration in reducing recidivism and the benefit it has for both health outcomes and taxpayer spending. I’m pleased to see this funding to support substance misuse treatment and services for criminal justice-involved individuals that will help them get well and contribute to their communities. I’ll continue working to secure additional funding to help combat this ongoing crisis.”

“It is imperative we leverage all resources available to help Granite Staters overcome addiction,” said Congressman Pappas. “Assisting those struggling with addiction while in our criminal justice system is an essential piece in combating the opioid epidemic, and these federal dollars will go a long way to support critical programs. I will continue working alongside the delegation to ensure our state has the federal support needed to put this epidemic behind us.”

Shaheen recently unveiled sweeping new substance use disorder legislation, the Turn the Tide Act, to help tackle the substance use epidemic and provide resources for Granite Staters struggling with substance misuse.  The Turn the Tide Act provides $63 billion in funding over ten years to deliver flexible treatment funding to providers, establish proven prevention programs and address the substantial workforce challenges in the treatment field.

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