U.S. Department of Labor Awards Dislocated Worker Grant to Minnesota In Response to Opioid Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an opioid-crisis National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for up to $1,368,421 to train at least 200 displaced workers. An initial award of $800,000 will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to eligible individuals in Minnesota communities affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdose.

The project will focus on the creation of peer-support counseling positions that will address the unique recovery needs of individuals affected by opioid use and on the brink of homelessness. The grant will also provide employment and training services to reintegrate eligible individuals back into the workforce. The State will provide these services to eligible individuals across 46 counties throughout central and southeast Minnesota. 

In October 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, enabling the State of Minnesota to request this funding.

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

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.