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Rep. Cartwright Announces $1 Million in Funding to The Wright Center for Community Health

Scranton, PA, August 21, 2019

Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-o8) announced a $1,000,000 federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Health Resources and Services Administration (an agency of HHS) awarded The Wright Center for Community Health this supplemental funding through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). RCORP funds multi-sector consortia to enhance their ability to implement a set of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities in rural communities at the highest risk for substance use disorder (SUD).

“We are pleased to serve as lead partner in this consortium to strengthen and expand substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services in rural areas. Activities will focus on Wayne and Susquehanna counties and include medication assisted treatment, case management and social supports. We are grateful for these federal resources that will help us overcome barriers to access in our rural communities,” stated Maria Montoro-Edwards, PhD, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Grants, The Wright Center for Community Health.

“I applaud The Wright Center for Community Health for taking the lead and partnering with others to strengthen and expand these critical services in our communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I continue to be a strong advocate for federal funding that helps combat the devastating opioid epidemic, a public health crisis that must be addressed immediately.”

Key partners within the consortium include Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc., Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission.

Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Executive Director Jeff Zerechak added, “The grant will allow the agency to also provide crucial case management and recovery specialist services to Wayne County residents in need. During the next three years, this grant will translate into an additional $100,000 for Wayne County.”