State Receives $4.6 Million in Federal Funding for New InitiativeMore Than 700 Marylanders To Participate In Program for Job Training and Recovery Services
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan announced Friday,that Maryland is one of only four states in the nation selected to participate in a new initiative to provide job training and other services to workers in communities significantly affected by the opioid crisis. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $4.6 million in funding to the Maryland Department of Labor for the new “Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery through Workforce Development” pilot program, which will address the health and economic impacts of widespread substance and opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose.
Governor Hogan and U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia discussed the new initiative during a call earlier this week.
"During Maryland's response to COVID-19, our administration has remained committed to combating the opioid and substance abuse crisis, which has affected far too many families and taken far too many lives across our state and our nation," said Governor Hogan. "This funding is another powerful tool we can use to support Marylanders in the communities hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. I had the chance to thank Secretary Scalia and discuss Maryland’s role in advancing this new national initiative.”
The Maryland Department of Labor will direct the awarded funds to seven diverse Local Workforce Areas, representing 14 jurisdictions across the state that have experienced negative social and economic impacts as a result of the opioid crisis. More than 700 Marylanders are anticipated to participate in the new pilot program, which will provide participants with job training and recovery services, leading to employment in 14 high-demand industries and occupations.
“Our department is very thankful to receive this funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, so we can continue to help Marylanders acquire the skills, tools, and support they need to overcome workforce challenges related to opioid and substance abuse,” said Secretary Tiffany Robinson of the Maryland Department of Labor. “This funding could not have come at a more critical time and will give those impacted by the opioid epidemic hope for a better tomorrow."
The 14 jurisdictions that will receive funds include Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Washington counties and Baltimore City.
| Subgrantee | Jurisdiction Served | Award Amount |
| Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation | Anne Arundel | $500,000 |
| Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development | Baltimore City | $1,400,000 |
| Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development | Baltimore County | $646,519 |
| Frederick Workforce Services | Frederick | $400,000 |
| Susquehanna Workforce Network | Cecil, Harford | $500,000 |
| Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board | Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot | $100,000 |
| Western Maryland Consortium | Allegany, Garrett, Washington | $500,000 |
“Job skills training can have profound benefits for those embarking on the journey of recovery,” said Steve Schuh, Executive Director of Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center. “By creating opportunities for Marylanders to learn new job skills, we create opportunities for Marylanders to enhance their recoveries and unlock further successes.”
Since 2018, the Maryland Department of Labor has been awarded more than $7 million in federal funding to combat the opioid crisis through the use of innovative workforce strategies. Most recently, the department sub-granted nearly $500,000 to Maryland New Directions and PIVOT, two Baltimore-based non-profit organizations, to connect women impacted by the opioid crisis to occupational training, employment opportunities, and integrated supportive services.
I’m sure lock downs, food service closures, gyms, and churches did wonders for addicts. Wow 700 people out of 9 million definitely a crisis. However don’t post the drug dealers names and addresses just people not wearing a mask unless protesting
ReplyDeleteMore bullshit. Do you really want to help?? Let them do WTH they want too. If they want to OD?? Let them. You're not winning anything. Half of that money won't see anything but the inside of your pockets. Same STORY we have heard for year's. Just another scam like any other government program. Let them do what they want. You won't need all the BULLSHIT rehab centers. Won't need all the BULLSHIT councilor's. You won't need all the BULLSHIT programs. They don't do anything. They have a success rate worse than the EDUCATION system. This is nothing more than another politicians lining their pockets scam.
ReplyDeleteTell me anything the government is involved with that actually works?? There isn't any.
ReplyDeleteServices nimrod. Retirees SS checks monthly. Medicare Medicaid assistance. Living assistance. Transportation. First responders. Court systems just to name a few. Now before the reply is that none of this works, it sucks, corruption. Imagine if the govt (Fed/state/local) did none of this. Private industry? Really?
DeleteNo, doesn't work. Not for providing necessary services. There is no backup business model either. Govt/private work....just need to eliminate the corruption....but not in our kids lifetimes.
You missed what they were saying. Why have government or private businesses involved at all?? That would eliminate waste and corruption. You should read before you post.
DeleteI don't see the Lower Shore Consortium listed, which includes Wicomico, Worchester, and Somerset counties.
ReplyDeleteWe are is far worse shape than any of the other counties!
So where is the help for us?
I say take the money buy an apartment complex and give the 700 all the dope and needles their hearts desire. The problem will take care of itself
ReplyDelete