PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Federal Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell says two Rhode Island health centers will receive $650,000 in federal money to pay to improve and expand substance abuse services, especially for opioid use.
Officials with the department say the money will help Rhode Island increase the number of patients that can be screened for substance abuse disorders. It will also help connect more users to treatment.
The money is part of a $94 million federal effort going to 271 health centers.
In Rhode Island, East Bay Community Action in Newport and Thundermist Health Center in Warwick will each receive $325,000.
The department estimates the number of unintentional overdose deaths from prescription pain medications increased almost fourfold from 1999 to 2013. Heroin deaths rose 39 percent from 2012 to 2013.
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