Connecticut is on track to see a drop in deadly opioid overdoses for the third straight year, but that positive is tempered by the sobering statistics: there will still be well over 1,000 deaths. On Monday, the state’s congressional delegation announced a new $7 million grant from the Department of Justice to help bring those numbers down more.

"Every death, every casualty of substance abuse disorder is a heartbreak. And that's why these $7 million is so important," stated U.S. Sen. Richard Blumental.

The money will go to addiction service providers in seven communities in western Connecticut: Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwich, Torrington, Watertown and Winsted. The sites were chosen based on overdose rates and population diversity, officials said.

Some programs make sure that when people with addictions get released from prison, they get the support they need since that's a time when many people relapse, according to lawmakers. Other services focus on making sure people with addictions never get arrested at all with efforts involving law enforcement, first responders and hospitals. The grant will also support kids whose parents suffer from addiction, as well as fund things like Narcan and drug test strips.

"Lives can be saved, and they will be as a result of this $7 million investment in education, prevention and treatment," Blumenthal told News 12.