WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced on Monday that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded a National Dislocated Worker grant of over $2.8 million to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS).

The grant money will be used to help train and employ Ohioans in jobs that address the impacts of the Opioid crisis.

These jobs include peer recovery coaches, support staff in hospitals to address the increase in drug-related admissions and babies born addicted to opioids, as well as social service aids to help children who were placed in foster care due to substance abuse from their parents.

"This investment will allow communities in Ohio to address the ongoing opioid crisis by helping to make sure Ohioans have the tools they need to land good-paying jobs that support their families and their communities in their recovery," Senator Brown said.

Throughout the crisis, Senator Brown has led efforts supporting workforce training initiatives, as well as funding for the additional crisis.

In May of 2020, Brown joined colleagues in urging House and Senate leadership to increase federal investment for state, local and tribal governments and treatment providers who are leading the nation's response to the ongoing crisis.

In 2018, Brown helped secure investments in programs that were included in the Support for Patients and Communities Act to increase funding for apprenticeship programs, veteran training programs and other programs to help Ohioans attain education and employment.