RBC | Providence Recovery in Craig, serving Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, has been awarded $129,961 in grant funds from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to expand access to substance use disorder treatment in rural and frontier counties.
In addition, Mind Springs Health, which serves the Western Slope including Meeker and Rangely, was awarded $336,414 to “increase access to a continuum of substance use disorder treatment services, including medical or clinical detox, residential treatment, recovery support services and intensive outpatient treatment by hiring, training and integrating mobile case managers/peer supports.
Colorado House Bill 19-1287, which was signed by Gov. Jared Polis last May, established a $5 million grant program to increase treatment services in rural and frontier areas of the state.
Following a competitive application process, $4.6 million was awarded to 16 groups, funding projects such as hiring more certified addiction counselors, launching withdrawal management centers and opening new recovery residence programs.
“We are committed to developing a robust continuum of care for substance use in rural and frontier communities,” said CDHS Office of Behavioral Management Director Robert Werthwein. “This much-needed funding will help organizations tailor solutions in their counties and grow successful programs.”
The remainder of the $5 million will fund administrative costs, with $200,000 rolling over into the next grant cycle.
Substance use disorder affects Coloradans in all counties but is particularly acute in rural and frontier communities that lack robust treatment options. In FY 2018-19, more than 54,000 Coloradans received treatment and withdrawal management services for substance use disorder.
Special to the Herald Times
