On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded a nearly $5 million grant to Washington State to help address workforce-related impacts of the opioid crisis. Washington is one of just six states to receive the National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant and received the third highest funding amount at $4,892,659.

The purpose of the National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant is to provide training and support to new, incumbent, and dislocated workers that have been impacted by the opioid crisis. The grant will also be used to encourage training in professions that could have positive impacts on the opioid crisis such as training related to addiction and substance-abuse treatment or mental health.

The Morning Wire: Keeping you informed on politics, policies, and personalities of Washington State.

In total, the Department of Labor awarded approximately $22 million to six states. Also receiving funding were New Hampshire ($5 million), Pennsylvania ($4,997,287), Rhode Island ($3,894,875), Maryland ($1,975,085), and Alaska ($1,263,194).

According to a press release from Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, the funding will go to the Washington State Employment Security Department which will then contract out to various workforce development councils in the state, including the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council.

“Opioid abuse is affecting literally every community in Southwest Washington, and Congress should continue making it a priority,” said Representative Herrera Beutler. “I’m pleased to have played a part in this important effort by supporting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and directing resources toward helping men and women climb out of the pit of addiction and get back to being productive members of their homes and workplaces.”

Your support matters.

Public service journalism is important today as ever. If you get something from our coverage, please consider making a donation to support our work. Thanks for reading our stuff.