The struggle against the opioid epidemic has been widely recognized by those in official seats throughout the state of Utah. Many officials are working to assist in any way possible. One way that this is being accomplished is through a recent announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s office of Rural Development is providing nearly $400,000 in grant money.
This money is specifically to assist in the struggles for two Utah counties: Carbon and Sevier counties. Recently, it was discovered that the rural areas of Utah are harder to receive help for pertaining to opioid addiction. 74% of those that are employed in agriculture in some way are noted to have been impacted by the abuse of opioids.
Following an announcement by President Donald Trump the previous fall stating that there will be a new federal effort to fight this issue, local USDA rural development leaders then reached out to officials in rural Utah. Carbon County is slated to receive $110,000 of the grant money while Sevier County will receive $80,000 toward ambulances equipped with life-saving overdose patient equipment.
Then, $150,000 is planned to go toward a detox and sober living facility in Carbon County. This facility will be serviced by Four Corners. Another $46,000 will be used for transportation services for rural patients. A near $400,000 in grant money is planned to be matched with community’s portions or nonprofits.