The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced nearly $400 million in funding to help combat the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic. The funding will help community health centers work at the local level to assist people suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.

Congressman Roger Marshall has been a leader in the fight to end the rural opioid and addition epidemic. He stated addition has impacted individuals in Kansas communities both large and small. Rep. Marshall said. “Congress is working hard to provide funding that focuses on localized treatment and proven solutions to help people overcome the devastating impacts of substance abuse.”

Konza Prairie Community and Dental Center in Junction City was one of 17 community health centers in Kansas to receive funding through Health and Human Services Integrated Behavioral Health Services award. Seventeen health centers across the state will receive a total of $2.9 million, with each organization receiving $167,000 to establish and expand access to evidence-based integrated substance use disorder and mental health services.