TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Cochise County Department of Health and Social Services is forming a team that would investigate opioid overdose deaths.
A $25,000 grant increase from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will fund the team.
Last year, county DHS got the initial grant from the CDC that provided the department with $100,000 per year until 2022.
Now, the CDC will grant an extra $25,000 per year until the end of the grant term.
County officials said they will use that money to fund an investigative team that will look into overdose deaths and how to prevent more people from overdosing and dying.
“Specifically, our aim focuses on promoting responsible prescribing and dispensing policies, and enhancement of assessments and referrals to substance abuse treatment,” department director Carrie Langley said.
The department also plans to use a one-time funding opportunity to pay for a licensed clinical social worker as a case manager at the County Jail.
They said this person would help addicted individuals transition back into life outside jail.
Cochise County officials said they'll use part of that money to provide community services to people who are at risk of overdosing after they're released from jail.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved accepting both grants at Tuesday's meeting.
