Nearly $500,000 will be awarded to help fund efforts in Mesa County and three neighboring Western Colorado counties to provide substance use disorder treatments in the wake of an opioid crisis.

The grant was among $2.5 million in new funding the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council awarded to local governments.

The Region 13 Opioid Abatement Council received $487,9000. Partnering with St. Mary’s integrated addiction medicine clinic, the grant will support the construction and outfitting of clinic space to treat people with substance use disorder in Mesa County as well as help youth and families in Delta, Garfield and Montrose counties.

“Communities like mine in Mesa County see how the opioid crisis continues to affect people’s lives and livelihoods,” said Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland. “I’m proud to work collaboratively with leaders from across Colorado to ensure this money is awarded in a fiscally responsible way that will be impactful for our communities, improve the well-being of our residents and save lives.”

Phil Weiser, Colorado attorney general and chairman of the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council, agreed.

“These funds will be put to work by the people who are working tirelessly to combat a crisis that continues to claim people’s lives and tear families and communities apart,” Weiser said. “After securing more than $700 million in settlements from the companies responsible for the crisis and launching a transparent and fair grant making process, we’re excited to see how this money can be put to use by affected communities.”

The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council accepted applications from state agencies, local governments and regional opioid abatement councils as well as combination of those organizations. Grants are intended to help fund capital improvements and provide operational assistance to communities, particular those in underserved areas.

The council was created through an agreement with local governments to oversee the use of opioid settlement funds and ensure the distribution of those funds complies with the terms of the settlements. More information about the council and grants is available online at coag.gov/opioids.