(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after joining U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann to award a Community Facilities Grant totaling $145,000 from Rural Development to Eastern Plumas Health Care for a new First Responder vehicle. This specific grant funding is part of the $5 million set-aside under the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program to combat the opioid epidemic in rural communities
LaMalfa said: “In Congress, we’ve taken unprecedented steps to combat the growing opioid epidemic in this country, and I’m happy to see these funds are being allocated right here in Northern California. Rapid response is absolutely critical when it comes to a prescription drug overdose or any other emergency, and it can be even more difficult in rural areas. It’s important that first responders have a modern fleet of ambulances to work with, and I’m confident that this funding will help them to better do their jobs and save lives in Plumas County.”
Vann said: “California’s rural communities have not been spared from the opioid epidemic, and USDA Rural Development has made it a priority to support projects addressing opioid prevention, treatment and recovery. Eastern Plumas Health Care District’s new first responder vehicle is one of nineteen projects awarded and part of a nearly $1.5 million investment in California.”
