BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than $1.2 million has been awarded to Western New York communities to combat substance abuse and crime.
The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs announced on Friday that the funds have been awarded to Western New York and New York State to help communities affected by the opioid crisis.
The award will help public safety and public health professionals in Niagara, Erie, and Monroe counties to effectively respond to overdoses.
“Opioids have taken the lives of far too many of our loved ones,” U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. “In the Western District of New York, partners across the community, including our Office, have joined forces to tackle this deadly epidemic head on and, while we have seen success in our fight, even one death is too many.
“This funding will assist us as we continue to innovate and find new ways to eradicate these deadly drugs — and the destruction they wreak with them — from our community.”
Additionally, $13.5 million has been awarded to New York State to combat drugs statewide.
