Creek County, OK – Creek County has been awarded $300K in grant funding to address the opioid crisis throughout the county, as announced during an Oklahoma Opioid Abatement board meeting on Tuesday, June 4.
This significant achievement follows the Creek County Board of County Commissioners’ submission of an application in collaboration with community partners.
Upon learning about the award, Commissioner Leon Warner stated, “This is great news and I’m grateful to all for the combined efforts to help achieve this great milestone. I look forward to working together as we forge a new path in Creek County helping those who need our assistance. Great teamwork.”
The funding will enable the employment of personnel who will implement a comprehensive multi-level approach to prevent opioid misuse, enhance early intervention programs, expand access to treatment services, and support individuals in long-term recovery.
Steven Fritz, Chief Executive Officer of Human Skills & Resources, stated, “We are excited to expand and enhance our substance abuse treatment services to individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis in our community in Creek County alongside our community partners.”
There will be intense collaboration among key community stakeholders, including law enforcement, the district attorney’s office/criminal justice partners, youth-serving organizations, mental health and substance abuse agencies, and community organizations.
Erin Brook, Executive Director of Youth Services of Creek County, reported, “Through collaborative effort to help youth and families in Creek County, this funding will help educate our parents about the dangers of in utero substance abuse and the harmful effects on both mother and baby.”
Overall, the project aims to establish a well-connected network of resources and referrals to provide a coordinated response to those in need of support.
Amanda Hammack, Director of Addiction & Recovery Services, CREOKS Health Services, said “we are deeply grateful for the support provided by the Opioid Abatement Board. This funding will enhance CREOKS’ ability to provide essential services to those affected, offering a pathway to recovery and a chance for a healthier future.”
Kevin Day, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of LifeGate Freedom Recovery Ministries, stated “We are excited to strengthen our partnerships, expand our mission to help provide long-term housing in a faith-based, structured program for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.”
Mimi Tarrasch, Chief Program Officer for Women’s Justice Programs, Family & Children’s Services, said “Family & Children’s Services will work with community partners to provide jail-based education, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery supports, enhancing local efforts to combat the opioid crisis.”
