Today, as overdose numbers continue to climb, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) is urging towns and non-profits in northern New Jersey to apply for available federal grant programs to combat the region’s opioid epidemic. Gottheimer has been an outspoken champion of a comprehensive approach to fight the scourge of opioid addiction and considers these grants as one of the pathways in which north Jersey can improve its return on investment of federal tax dollars.

Opioid addiction does not discriminate based on race or socioeconomic background. It was reported just last week that Bergen County alone experienced more than 300 opioid overdoses in 2016. In Sussex County last year, accidental drug overdose deaths rose by more than 60 percent over the previous year.

“North Jersey needs to expand our comprehensive fight against the opioid addiction crisis, and there are federal funds available to do just that.” said Congressman Gottheimer, “I urge local communities and nonprofits to apply for these funds to stem the deadly tide of addiction and bring federal dollars home to our community—where we need them most. My office will do everything we can to help communities and organizations through the application process to make sure we get the funding we need to combat the crisis of substance abuse ravaging our state.”

The grants – listed below – provide money for prevention and education efforts as well as treatment and recovery. Among the uses for the grant money, towns will be able to provide first responders with overdose recovery equipment and expand their disposal sites for unwanted prescription medications. Non-profits will be able to expand education programs and recovery services.

Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program
Award Ceiling: $1,200,000
Close Date: April 25, 2017
Eligibility: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, other than small businesses
More information is available online HERE.

Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program
Award Ceiling: $850,000
Close Date: April 25, 2017
Eligibility: State governments; county governments; city or township governments
More information is available online HERE.

Mayors, Councils, and non-profit administrators are encouraged to contact our office at 201-389-1100 for guidance and support.

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