Elk Grove opioid program gets $46,000 grant

Elk Grove Village's program in response to the opioid epidemic has received a $46,000 grant that will go toward providing addiction treatment, especially for the uninsured.

Launched last June, the Elk Grove Village Cares program has so far provided assistance to 14 people, hosted support groups and placed an overdose-reversing medication in 19 public locations.

Most of the grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority will pay for treatment - particularly for those whose insurance plans may not cover it or for those who have no insurance. Some of the money will fund public education materials.

Under the initiative, anyone seeking treatment for an opioid addiction can contact Elk Grove police, who will connect people with nearby treatment programs and the person will not face arrest.