New Grants Fund Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Networks

Three new comprehensive addiction recovery networks are being established in Indiana.  The centers aim to eliminate gaps in service for people suffering from addiction.

Indiana Drug Czar Jim McClelland says Hoosiers are falling through the cracks when it comes to finding treatment and sustaining recovery.

"We know from traveling all over the state over the last two and a half years," says McClelland. "It’s often difficult for people to know where to go, who to turn to, this is going to make it a lot easier."

In recent years, Indiana has made progress expanding treatment options as a result of the opioid epidemic. 

"And with more pieces in place, we now need to move more aggressively to connect those pieces," says McClelland. 

State funding, amounting to $1.5 million, will go to establish networks of care among existing providers in Indianapolis, Merrillville and Lawrenceburg.  They aim to make it easier for people to get needed services that may include medication assisted treatment, recovery housing, social services and job training.

Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) authored legislation to set up the networks.  He says the effort will also gather data.

"On how we do it, so we can get the lessons learned and we can get the services to everybody," says Merritt. 

A second round of grants could establish three more centers in the coming years.

Contact Jill at jsheridan@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @JillASheridan.