The U.S. Department of Labor Friday announced the award of an opioid-crisis Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for up to $2,500,000, with $833,333 released initially. This grant funding will address the workforce impacts of the opioid crisis by providing employment services to eligible individuals affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdose.
The project will provide eligible grant participants with disaster-relief employment at community centers for mental health and substance abuse, including positions such as peer recovery specialists, addiction counselors, and behavioral health technicians. The project will also provide employment services to participants seeking careers in healthcare professions related to addiction, treatment, prevention, and pain management. The grant activities will take place in Brevard, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.