WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today announced that Louisiana is eligible to receive $11.6 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to fight opioid addiction.   Among other things, the funds will be used to support treatment and to reduce deaths from opioid-related overdoses.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Kennedy has fought for funding to address the opioid crisis in Louisiana.  Last year, the state received $8.1 million.

“Opioid addiction is destroying families in every income bracket across Louisiana,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “It’s an epidemic that is absolutely breathtaking in its scope.  In 2016 alone, nearly 350 people died in Louisiana from opioid-related overdoses.  We’ve buried enough people.  Hopefully, this money will help us conquer addiction and rebuild families.”

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