The United Way is encouraging small groups of people to develop a plan to improve their community, and it will award grants to get the plan off the ground.
Darcy Lee, the program's director, says the Samaritan Hotline received more than 33,000 calls last year, and is on line to receive 40,000 calls in 2024.
Carl Alves of Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction says the opioid problem has gotten worse but there are more opportunities for treatment available.