FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07), member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, today announced New Jersey has secured a $13 million dollar federal grant to combat the opioid crisis.  The programming and funding was created under the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation Lance helped write and pass into law last year.

“The opioid crisis is devastating families and communities across the Garden State.  In 2015, New Jersey’s heroin death rate was two-and-one-half times the skyrocketing U.S. rate.  This grant award will help expand access to treatment, recovery and prevention programs.  It will also strengthen our state’s ability to combat this growing epidemic,” said Lance.

The funding comes from the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  Lance and his colleagues are prioritizing five specific strategies: strengthening public health surveillance, advancing the practice of pain management, improving access to treatment and recovery services, targeting availability and distribution of overdose-reversing drugs and supporting cutting-edge research.