Michigan governor announces funds for treating opioid addiction in hospitals, jails

On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Opioid Partnership announced a new strategy that will provide both public and private funds to support treatment programs for those who suffer from opioid addiction.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in 2017, there were 2,686 drug overdose deaths in Michigan, a 12.1% increase from 2016.

Whitmer’s office said Monday that the strategy, called a “no wrong door approach,” aims to remove barriers for those who need treatment for opioid addiction.

The grants will fund planning, training, and coordination of treatment programs.

Two hospital systems, Beaumont Hospital and Munson Medical Center, will receive grants of over $1.3 million to fund pilot projects aimed to change the culture in hospital and emergency rooms around the opioid epidemic.

Wayne State University will receive a $1.5 million grant to expand medication-assisted treatment centers for substance abuse issues inside of jails. County jails will be selected for funding to work with the Wayne State University team.

The partnership is made up of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, the Jewish Fund, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Superior Health Foundation.