USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Randy Parker today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with rural communities in Utah to support opportunities for opioid treatment, prevention and recovery.
“We have heard and seen how the opioid epidemic is affecting the quality of life here in Utah,” Parker said. “The investments USDA is making today will not only help save lives, but also rebuild them in the areas our state is most affected by opioid misuse.”
USDA is investing $386,800 in four projects throughout the state of Utah through the Community Facilities program:
- In East Carbon City, the community is receiving a $110,000 grant to purchase a new ambulance with specialized equipment to assist people experiencing opioid overdose and drug use-related emergencies. East Carbon City is in Carbon County, which consistently has a significantly higher prescription opioid death rate compared to the state.
- Four Corners Community Behavioral Health is receiving a $46,300 grant to purchase three vehicles used to transport rural patients to treatment facilities in their service area. Four Corners Community Behavioral Health offers mental health and substance abuse services to the residents and communities of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties.
- Four Corners Community Behavioral Health is also receiving a $150,000 grant to buy and furnish a transitional housing facility in Price, Utah. The multi-unit facility will offer tenants recovery-oriented services. In addition to drug rehabilitation, tenants may also receive access to employment opportunities, education, mental and physical health care, and legal assistance.
- Sevier County, Utah, is receiving a $80,500 grant to buy an ambulance equipped to respond to opioid misuse incidents. The ambulance will be stocked with treatment medications, monitoring equipment, and airway management supplies. The funds will also supply opioid testing equipment.
Today’s notice is part of a national announcement by Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett, who announced USDA is investing $10.7 million in partnership with communities in 22 states to support projects that will address the opioid epidemic.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.