Michael Bloomberg’s overdose prevention commitment hits $335 million

Michael Bloomberg began funding state overdose programs in 2018. Bloomberg Philanthropies initially concentrated its work in Pennsylvania and Michigan as opioid deaths contributed to a decline in US life expectancy. Eight years later, the foundation has committed a total of $335 million to the overdose crisis, including a new $150 million investment covering six states. The latest funding will continue work in Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wisconsin while adding Washington, which still has one of the country’s highest overdose death rates despite recent improvements. The foundation is ending its direct work in Pennsylvania and Michigan after helping the states establish programs intended to continue independently.The foundation announced the $150 million commitment at the ninth annual Bloomberg American Health Summit in Baltimore. It will be used to make treatment for opioid use disorder available to incarcerated people and through hospital emergency departments in all six states.