(St. Paul, MN) – Friday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner to award grants to opioid treatment centers and providers. The legislation is chief authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) and will continue the Senate Republican-led priority to combat opioid addiction.

Senator Koran commended efforts the grants would support, saying, “The opioid epidemic is one of the most pervasive and harmful menaces we face today. No part of Minnesota has escaped its effects, and the centers eligible for these grants will benefit communities for years to come. It’s important to provide those struggling and enrolled in treatment with valuable resources and added hope.”

The opioid epidemic has been a focus for Senate Republicans in past years, as well. In 2019, the historic Opiate Epidemic Response Account was created and passed into law. The account was established to invest in innovative treatment and social service programs, improve public awareness, and apply stricter rules to prescriptions and refills. The grants in Senate File 4577 continue that work and do not add to the $21 million already present in the fund.

Grants under this legislation are a one-time expenditure. Recipients include but are not limited to all eight emergency medical service regions, St. Gabriel’s Health Family Medical Center, Wayside Recovery Center, the American Indian Family Center, Alliance Wellness Center, and the Twin Cities Recovery Project.