Federal funds help state combat opioid abuse

While Missouri remains the only state without a prescription drug-monitoring program, a $10 million grant to continue the fight against opioid abuse was allocated to the Missouri Department of Mental Health under U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt's leadership.

"The opioid epidemic is destroying families and communities across the country, and Missouri is no exception," the Missouri Republican said. "I will continue working to ensure that we're providing the resources necessary to help more people struggling with opioid-use disorder get the help they need."

Approximately 419,000 Missourians struggle with some form of a substance abuse disorder, which includes alcohol, drugs, hallucinogens and opioids, according to the 2016 Missouri Intervention and Treatment Programs for Substance Use Disorders report.

The grant will target areas of prevention, treatment and recovery - assisting local programs to increase hospital opioid resources and programming, increase medication assisted treatment team personnel, purchase naloxone to be distributed to pharmacies, jails and recovery settings.

By July 1, the grant monies will be available to treatment programs to provide assistance to uninsured patients enrolled in the opioid use and prevention programs.

Debra Walker, director of the Department of Mental Health's Office of Public and Legislative Affairs, said the funds will be helpful in addressing the opioid epidemic in a number of ways.

"Drug abuse treatment is cost effective in reducing drug use and bringing about related savings in health care," Walker said. "The largest economic benefit of treatment is seen in avoided costs of crime (incarceration and victimization costs)."

As of Dec. 31, 2016, it costs $16.27 per day to house inmates, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections annual report.

In April, the Jefferson City Police Department collected 310 tons of unused prescription drugs during its drug take-back day in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration. National Drug Take Back Days help to eliminate the possibility of highly potential addictive drugs making it into the hands of abusers.

"Treatment consistently has been shown to reduce the costs associated with lost productivity, crime and incarceration across various settings and populations," Walker said.