The Department of Justice on Friday announced it is boosting its efforts against the prescription drug and opioid epidemic by nearly $60 million.
The money will be doled out through federal grants, the National Institute of Justice, drug and treatment courts nationwide, and other grant programs.
According to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has made fighting drugs a top priority, the money shows that the Trump administration is making the current drug crisis in America “a top priority.”
Roughly $24 million in federal grants will be awarded to 50 cities, counties and public health departments under the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program.
“This program helps regulatory, law enforcement, and public health agencies address prescription drug and opioid misuse; reduce crime; and save lives,” the Justice Department said.
The National Institute of Justice will get $3.1 million for drug research and “evaluation on drugs and crime.”
Another $22.2 million will be given 53 jurisdictions “to support the implementation and enhancement of adult drug courts and Veterans Treatment Courts, which serve as ‘one-stop-shops’ to link veterans with services, benefits and program provider.”
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention grant programs will also get $9.5 million to help families and youth people dealing with the epidemic.
Federal data shows that nearly 60,000 people died from opioid and prescription drug overdoses.
