WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has allocated more than $8 million to Louisiana to combat opioid abuse.

“Opioid addiction knows no boundaries.  It does not discriminate against age, race, social background, or income.  That is why it is more important than ever to join together and fight back against this epidemic that tears families apart,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “I am grateful to HHS Secretary Tom Price for giving our state these much needed funds.  This money will help increase access to treatment for those suffering and will help put a stop to opioid related deaths.” 

The Department of Health and Human Services announced today that it will allocate $485 million in grants to states and territories to help fight opioid addiction.  According to the HHS,  the funding will go towards supporting a comprehensive array of prevention, treatment, and recovery services depending on the needs of recipients.  States and territories were awarded funds based on rates of overdose deaths and unmet need for opioid addiction treatment.

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