LOWVILLE- Lewis County Community Services has launched a grant program, which is supported by funds distributed to the County from recent Opioid Settlements and designed to support organizations/entities of all sizes and origins in combating the effects of the opioid overdose epidemic.
The grant program is called the ‘Future Stories Fund.’
“The opioid overdose epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis that deeply affects individuals, their families, friends, co-workers, employers, and our community overall,” the Community Services Office said in a released statement.
“For too many years, too many of our community members have died from drug overdoses and poisonings, those who need help often can’t get it, and the well-being of future generations is under threat.”
According to the Community Services Board, prevention, treatment and recovery must all be prioritized to reduce overall drug use and overdoses in the community. Lewis County Human Services Building image.
The objectives for the Future Stories Funding include:
Encourage new and innovative solutions to mitigating the opioid overdose epidemic.
Support efforts to discourage or prevent opioid use initiation and the misuse of opioids.
Reduce negative consequences associated with drug use.
Reduce barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).
Provide support/resources for individuals and families dealing with the effects of the opioid crisis.
Based on community feedback from a survey this spring, the Community Services Board will prioritize supporting innovative programs which address any of the following areas*:
1. Support efforts to discourage or prevent opioid use initiation and the misuse of opioids. This category emphasizes upstream strategies that target the root causes of drug use and overdose by strengthening community institutions and providing opportunities for youth and families to engage in activities that bring purpose and meaning to their lives.
2. Support people in treatment for and recovery from Opioid Use Disorder and cooccurring substance use disorder/mental health conditions. This category includes strategies to increase access to treatment and recovery resources within the County and neighboring communities.
The application period for the Future Stories Fund is now open, and eligible entities are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline on September 6, 2024.
For more information about the Future Stories Fund, including program objectives, eligibility criteria, program examples and application guidelines, click here.
Lewis County Human Services Building image.
