A helping hand is on the way.

In an effort to reduce overdose deaths in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded 17 grants to help increase access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery.

The grants from MDHHS total $2.7 million, made available through Michigan’s opioid settlement fund. From the $2.7 million, Great Lakes Recovery Centers received $200,000.

GLRC CEO Greg Toutant said the organization is “very grateful” to MDHHS and Director (Elizabeth) Hertel for the transportation grant award.

“Transportation is a major concern in the Upper Peninsula and this grant will have a major impact for helping clients get to vital treatment services,” Toutant said. “Due to the rural expanse of the U.P., having a major grant award for transportation can have a transformational impact.”

According to a MDHHS news release, the grants will provide direct funding support to agencies to expand capacity to transport participants to and from treatment appointments and other supportive services.

Funding will also be provided to agencies to support the distribution of gas cards, bus passes and taxi/rideshare services.

“This project will reduce barriers for individuals seeking treatment and supportive services during their recovery from opioid use disorder,” Hertel said in the news release. “They will help us continue to provide a full spectrum of care, and additionally enhance our ability to respond to this crisis in an equitable manner.”

The award period began on Nov. 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2024. Additional information regarding proposed programming under Michigan’s Opioid and Healing Recovery Fund can be found on michigan.gov/opioids.

Anyone who has dealt with addiction issues or has seen a family member have to endure through the struggle knows that every little bit helps.

Making transportation easier could be the difference in keeping a loved one’s addiction at bay. We are grateful to see these grants to go such a great cause.

The GLRC can be found online at greatlakesrecovery.org.