The georgia criminal justice coordinating council (CJCC) is applying for funding in the amount of $7,000,000 under category 2: statewide applications

The purpose of this project is to provide a collaborative and effective data-driven response for georgias citizens affected by the opioid crisis as well as substance use disorder, while holding substance users accountable and improving public safety. This project will serve a minimum of six geographically diverse localities throughout the state using a competitive request for applications process. Potential projects will respond to the following objectives: criminal justice response in diversion and intervention, prevention and harm reduction, and recovery support. CJCC will also work with the georgia council on substance abuse to provide law enforcement throughout the state with trauma response training. Each objective is at the core of the states response to create sustainable solutions that will support substance use recovery, prevention, and enhance public safety for individuals who suffer from substance use disorder, impacted family members, and the communities in which they live. Project activities will address the following allowable uses: supporting the implementation or enhancement of law enforcement and first responder led diversion programs for individuals with substance use disorders; supporting the implementation of pre/post-booking alternative to incarceration programs within target areas; promoting education and prevention activities that link law enforcement with K12 youth who may be impacted by substance use; supporting data-driven responses at the local level to address the misuse of opioids and other substances, and expanding access to treatment and recovery support. Funding will also be used to conduct a statewide action plan and evaluation which will be led by the georgia statistical analysis center who will also play a vital role in the data driven response.