Rhode Island has been awarded more federal funding to combat opioid addition.
The state's congressional delegation announced the increase on Friday. They say Rhode Island's share from a grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will rise from $2.1 million last year to $12.5 million.
The program helps states increase access to medication-assisted treatment and reduce opioid overdoses through prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, says the funding is much needed and long overdue.
The state health department says 323 Rhode Island residents died of accidental drug overdoses in 2017.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 included a $3.3 billion boost for opioid funding, with $142 million set aside for states with high mortality rates from overdoses.
The delegation voted for it.
