Tucson Standard

TUCSON, Ariz. – On August 29, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced a $2,544,375 award from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Pima County’s Department of Health Overdose Data to Action: LOCAL – Pima CARES (Coordinated, Accessible, Responsive, Equitable and Safe) program.

In 2022, opioids were responsible for 69% of overdose death, and for the third year in a row, fentanyl contributed to the greatest number of overdose deaths in Pima County of any single drug. This funding will allow Pima County to extend support to individuals, families and the community that have been impacted by opioids like fentanyl and other substance misuse disorders.

“I applaud the work Pima County is doing to address overdose prevention, especially for our children. It’s critical that every level government is focused on funding the necessary and required resources to address this health crisis,”  said Rep. Grijalva. “I’m proud to support this project to utilize an evidence-based approach to saving lives and will oppose proposed cuts to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other vital health programs.”

“We’re extremely grateful to Congressman Grijalva for his support in securing this grant and making overdose prevention a priority in Pima County and throughout Southern Arizona,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Director of the Pima County Public Health Department. “The Pima County Health Department through our Community Mental Health and Addiction Office has worked closely with vulnerable populations at high risk for overdose to connect them with treatment and other resources.”

Original source can be found here.