The Overton County Opioid Board is taking applications for organizations wanting to help residents with addiction-related issues.
Overton County Opioid Board Member Robbie Melton said the estimated $96,000 in grant funding comes from settlements with Opioid companies. Melton said local organizations that help combat opioid addiction can apply for the funding.
“We are very particular to be sure that they meet the criteria before we pass out the funds,” Melton said. “And they have to show us how they are gonna spend the funds and then we meet with them periodically to be sure that they are spending the funds the correct way.”
Melton said certain requirements have to be met and that if an organization meets the requirements the board will try to award the organization some funds. The board is taking applications until May 12.
Melton said the board wants to give funds to several local organizations that have already done great work in trying to resolve the opioid issue in Overton County.
“We have a number of organizations in this county that are trying to help those individuals with an opioid addiction,” Melton said. “One of the things that we have done, we have some organizations that are working with men and some organizations that are working with women, and so we want to be sure we help each group.”
Melton said many people may not know it but Overton County has an issue with opioids. Melton said the grant funding is a blessing and hopes it will make a difference.
“I’m just so pleased that we are getting this money to help people that have this addiction,” Melton said. “And so often they didn’t know what they were getting into when they began using opioids and it can happen to any family it’s so important that we help these people overcome this problem.”
Melton said the board will have someone from the state to help look through the applications during the process. Applications can be picked up at the Overton County Executive’s office located on West Main Street in Livingston.
