U.S. Department of Labor Grants Florida $1.5M to Address Workforce Challenges from Opioid Crisis

U.S. Department of Labor Grants Florida $1.5M to Address Workforce Challenges from Opioid Crisis

Florida has received $1.5 million in federal funding to address workforce challenges caused by the opioid epidemic through job creation and training services in 21 counties.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has allocated $1.5 million in funding to Florida to tackle workforce issues stemming from the opioid epidemic. 

According to a recent release, the grant—overseen by the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration—aims to support individuals affected by opioid addiction and overdose by creating disaster-relief positions and expanding employment and training services in 21 counties.

Florida’s opioid crisis has had significant workforce implications, with more than 6,000 fatal overdoses reported in 2022. The epidemic has contributed to increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs, employee turnover and a shortage of treatment providers.

“The Employment and Training Administration is committed to ensuring Florida workers affected by the opioid crisis have access to assistance that will help their communities address the unique impacts of this complex public health crisis,” Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez said in a statement. “This Dislocated Worker Grant provides critical support to Florida by providing jobs to affected workers and training in the areas of addiction treatment, mental health and pain management.”

The funding will be managed by six workforce development boards and will benefit residents in Baker, Bay, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gulf, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia counties.

In addition to creating jobs, the grant will offer training in addiction treatment, mental health services and pain management. The program also targets barriers to employment caused by the opioid crisis, providing support to those experiencing job loss or other economic hardships.

This initiative is supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, which allows for temporary expansion of state and local worker programs in response to major economic events. The opioid crisis was declared a national public health emergency in 2017, enabling states like Florida to request federal funding assistance.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the former Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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