Federal grant nationally distributed

According to vice president of clinical programs at Wayside Recovery Center Jessie Everts, the recovery center received grant money that will be used to develop a peer recovery program at their treatment centers, one of which is located in St. Louis Park.

Everts said Wayside Recovery Center is part of a group of women service agencies and aids in opioid addiction.

According to Everts, the federal government recently administered grants to states in need of support for the opioid crisis, and Wayside Recovery Center was one of the thirty organizations in Minnesota to receive funding.

“It’s from the federal government passed down to the states to disperse around the opioid epidemic, so I believe each state got an amount to give to local organizations,” Everts said. “Our grant came directly from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.”

According to junior Parker Brynildson, Wayside is using the grant money in ways that will effectively help people in their facility.

“It’s good that they’re getting people over their addiction with the money and not using it for other stuff, because some kids are probably addicted to opioids, and they’re too scared to ask for help. So if they have those grants, they can ask for help easier,” Brynildson said.

Additionally, Everts said they will aim to use the  money to increase education surrounding opioid use.

“One of the focuses of the grant money is to get more education and resources out there about opioid use,” Evert said. “We want people in the communities to understand that there are resources out there if they do become addicted to them and that there are emergency response opportunities out there.”

Wayside Recovery Center is located at 3705 Park Center Blvd, St. Louis Park. For more information, visit waysiderecovery.org. –