Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark Delaware) announced four major grants to community organizations that are fighting the opioid epidemic in Delaware.
A total of $325,000 in BluePrints for the Community grants will support organizations that are on the front lines of the opioid crisis in the state, a release stated.
The grants from Highmark Delaware’s BluePrints for the Community Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Delaware Community Foundation, will bolster efforts throughout the state to address the many facets of the opioid epidemic from prevention to recovery.
“This is an epidemic and it is going to take all of us working together to combat addiction, save lives and help people into recovery. At Highmark we are addressing the opioid crisis through both policy and partnerships,” said Tim Constantine, president, Highmark Delaware. “None of us can take on this crisis alone. We are proud to join with the state and our nonprofit partners in making a difference in Delaware’s fight against opioid addiction.”
Constantine explained that as the largest health plan in Delaware, Highmark is taking a multifaceted approach to combating opioids in the community through education, advocacy, policy and grant making.
“While we are increasing and improving prevention, treatment and recovery services across state government, we know that government alone can’t reduce the toll that the opioid epidemic is taking on Delaware families,” said Karyl T. Rattay, MD, MS, director, Division of Public Health, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “To reduce that impact, it is critical that we work in concert with providers, insurers, nonprofit leaders, educators, advocates, the faith community and families. We recommend that Delawareans seek out the information and services they need at our one-stop website,www.HelpIsHereDE.com.”
BluePrints for the Community grants were awarded to the following organizations to fight addiction in Delaware.
- A $50,000 grant to atTAcK Addiction to fill an emergency need for naloxone.
- $100,000 to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware as they continue their Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnership for Success (SPF-PFS) community programs around the state. SPF-PFS is a statewide prevention program targeting two of the nation’s top substance abuse prevention priorities: 1.) underage drinking and 2.) prescription drug misuse and abuse.
- A $75,000 grant to Gaudenzia, Inc. to support expansion of its programs in New Castle County, including a new facility in Claymont, and outpatient services at the Claymont Community Center.
- $100,000 to the Sussex County Health Coalition to support their work with 27 community partners to develop a community-based comprehensive plan to address the opioid epidemic in Seaford, Delaware.
