By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County's local group attempting to keep those with addiction issues alive is now officially a non-profit organization, calling itself Kansas Recovery Network Inc.
"When harm reduction coalitions are recognized by the federal government in the way of getting a 501(c)(3), they're eligible for grant funding," said treasurer Jacci Espinosa. "Access to naloxone changes, they're able to get naloxone in different ways. People can get tax write offs for donating to us."
The group is the first official non-profit in Kansas for harm reduction.
"We started looking into it at the beginning of the year," Espinosa said. "It's always been a goal for us to get to this point, but we really didn't start looking into doing it for sure until probably about the beginning of the year."
Espinosa has been heavily involved in the naloxone distribution events in previous months. The hope is that the new status will help them stay supplied more easily.
"So far, we've been really good at being able to stay supplied," Espinosa said. "Right now, there's a national shortage, so we will run out sometime before next spring, but right now, we're okay. Previously, we've just been relying on donations, but now, it will open up our ability to purchase directly from the manufacturers."
Also, the intent is to broaden the scope of the group to help others who are committed to harm reduction in the state be active and continue to save lives.