Grant to Combat War on Opioids in Cumberland

The MLA for Cumberland North says, "Opioid dependency can have a devastating impact on people's lives, as well as their families and friends." Terry Farrell made the comment today when he announced a $5,225 grant to the Cumberland Opioid Council.

Farrell says,  "We are hearing more and more that opioids are a growing issue for our communities. This grant will help Cumberland County residents address this important issue."

The Council will use the funding in its Community Readiness project. Chair of the Council, Sandi Partridge, says, "We want to increase the community's awareness of the harms associated with opioid dependency, lessen stigma, and assess readiness for new and innovative strategies."

The council will receive the grant under the Chronic Disease Innovation Fund. The fund will invest about $300,000 across the province. 

Eighteen community groups, in partnership with community health boards, received funding for projects to help people stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, get active, and eat better.

Cheryl Northcott, Executive Director of operations for the northern zone of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, says, "Providing communities with the resources they need to increase knowledge, build awareness and take action against chronic health issues is crucial."