Polk County Approves Grant Funds to Combat Opioid Overdoses

Des Moines, IA- On Tuesday, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved the award of two $50,000 Harm Reduction Supplies Grants to the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition and Steps of Hope Iowa, funded by Polk County opioid settlement dollars. Both organizations will use the funding to provide life-saving supplies, including naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, to Polk County residents affected by substance use.

The Board of Supervisors also proclaimed August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day. "The National Opioid Settlements advise governments to invest in harm reduction strategies like overdose prevention because they are effective public policy, improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, and save lives," said Annie Uetz, Director of Polk County Behavioral Health & Disability Services.

Questions regarding Polk County opioid settlement funds can be directed to opioidsettlement@polkcountyiowa.gov.