Updated: Mar 11, 2016 - 2:04 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Health and Human Services is awarding Massachusetts $6,807,060 in funding to support health centers in the fight against the opioid crisis. 

The money will help 20 health centers improve and expand their substance abuse services, focusing on underserved populations. 

“The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States today,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and integrating these services in health centers bolsters nationwide efforts to curb opioid misuse and abuse, supports approximately 124,000 new patients accessing substance use treatment for recovery and helps save lives.”

Funding will go toward increasing the number of patients screened for substance use disorders and connected with treatment. Part of the $6.8 million will also train health professionals on the importance of making informed prescribing decisions. Heroin abuse often starts with prescription opioid-based painkillers. 

Nationally, HHS estimates 4.5 million people were non-medical prescription pain reliever users in 2013, and an estimated 289,000 were current heroin users. The Cape was featured in an HBO documentary about the heroin epidemic. 

HHS also awarded money to other states, giving $94 million nationally to help 800 providers and an estimated 124,000 new patients.