CONCORD – Gov. Christopher Sununu has announced that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has submitted its proposed plan to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. The state of New Hampshire is eligible for $45.8 million over a two-year award period. New Hampshire will create a system of care that streamlines and coordinates services for individuals and their families, according to a press release.
“Taking that first step of asking for help for substance use disorder is often the hardest. The model we are proposing is intended to make that first step the easiest,” said Sununu. “New Hampshire ranks as one of the healthiest states in the nation, but this recognition masks the crippling effects of the opioid crisis. The SOR funding will help us drastically reform how individuals are able to access SUD services, increase access to that treatment, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce the devastating impact that opioid use disorder has had on our communities through investments in prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”
New Hampshire will design a system of care that creates clear points of entry for any resident with a substance misuse issue. The proposal includes a regional approach to addressing the crisis in nine regions throughout the state. The state will expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT), recovery supports services, access to recovery housing, evidence-based prevention programs, workforce opportunities, and training and education for providers and people in recovery.
“The state’s proposal has been directly informed by the valuable feedback DHHS has received from individuals who have personal experience with the epidemic, advocates, stakeholders and the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers, in the press release. “We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for funding that will allow us to provide additional, critical support for those struggling with addiction.”
Sununu was expected to hold a press briefing in the Executive Council Chambers at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 to detail the state’s opioid response plan.
The final award of the monies from SAMHSA is expected on or about Sept. 30, 2018.
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