WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1,096,975 in funding to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development for job creation and workforce training in 25 counties affected significantly by widespread opioid use, addiction and overdose.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, this incremental funding is part of a $4.7 million National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant awarded in 2019. The funding will serve eligible individuals in Bartholomew, Blackford, Clark, Crawford, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Floyd, Harrison, Henry, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Switzerland, Union, Washington and Wayne counties.

The grant will provide eligible participants with disaster-relief employment in jobs that address the impact of the opioid crisis, including recovery coaches, peer navigators and community health workers. These funds may also provide services to reintegrate workers affected by the crisis and train individuals to work in mental health treatment, addiction treatment and pain management.

Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated workers programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.