Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism Announces $4.2 Million in AmeriCorps Grants
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Grants Awarded for Opioid Education Programs on Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland |
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism today announced that 22 Maryland organizations will receive more than $4.2 million in AmeriCorps grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service for this year’s round beginning August 15, 2017. Funding will go to two new programs to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic in Maryland. The Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Corps and Conquering Opiate Abuse Together (COAT) program will provide crucial health education programming to communities on the Eastern Shore through Salisbury University and in Western Maryland through Frostburg State University. “Raising awareness and educating our citizens about the deadly threat posed by heroin and opioids is a critical component of our efforts to combat this crisis that is ravaging communities across Maryland and the country,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This epidemic affects people of all walks of life, and it will take everyone, from the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the efforts of the private sector, community organizations, neighbors, and families working together to turn the tide of this crisis and save Marylanders’ lives.” “The grants enable the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism to target resources to areas of the state where they are needed most, especially in our fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Jeff Griffin, director of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism.
In addition to the $4.2 million in grant awards, grantees will raise over $7 million in non-federal matching funds comprised of both cash and non-cash donated goods or services. Programs must raise a minimum of 24 percent of the program costs to match the amount of federal dollars received. Volunteers serve with more than 22 nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations in Baltimore, Central Maryland, Western Maryland, and on the Eastern Shore. The application cycle for the 2018-2019 Maryland AmeriCorps State grant year will open on August 7, 2017.
Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to the heroin and opioid epidemic-and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org and 1-800-422-0009, the state crisis hotline. |
