Southwest Corner gets $411,400 to help those in crisis find work
Pennsylvania is getting a federal grant of about $5 million to help those affected by the opioid epidemic to find employment. Washington and Greene counties are getting a healthy share of that funding.
“We’re excited to be able to pump some dollars into resources to help people being hit hard by the crisis,” Ami Gatts, director of the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board, said Thursday afternoon. Gov. Tom Wolf’s office announced the grant, which is part of his administration’s prevention, rescue and treatment efforts.
Pennsylvania is one of six states getting a National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grant.
Gatts’ agency will get $411,400 to provide career services. It serves Greene, Washington and Beaver counties, which have been pummeled by the epidemic. Greene has the highest infant mortality rate related to opioid use in the state, and crisis-related crime has wracked Washington and Beaver.
She said in the spring, the state advised agencies serving counties “that sadly have highest numbers” related to the crisis that they could apply for grant money – if it became available. Southwest Corner did.
Gatts said her agency will devote funds to emergency medical technicians, other first responders, training for paramedics, and recovery specialists (individuals who have recovered and are trying to help others do the same).
The state Department of Labor & Industry is administering the funds for job training and employment support, through four workforce development boards: Southwest; Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board, which represents those counties, about $472,600; Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. (nine counties, $1.1 million); and Philadelphia Works Inc. (Philadelphia County, $2 million).
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, is pleased with the grant. She said in a prepared statement Thursday, “In addition to helping people receive the treatment they need to overcome addiction, a much-needed second step of the recovery process should be assisting them in finding employment. The ultimate goal should be helping people become productive members of society, and there’s no better way to fuel one’s self-esteem than by having a job.”
Wolf said in a statement, “Fighting the opioid crisis, which has had a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities, continues to be one of my top priorities. These funds will help enhance job programs in some of Pennsylvania’s hardest-hit areas, so that people impacted by the opioid crisis can get back to work.”