Lehigh County commissioners had its first formal meeting of the new year Jan. 11, under the helm of newly elected Chairman Marty Nothstein.

County commissioners unanimously voted to approve a subrecipient grant in the amount of $500,000 to Treatment Trends Inc., Allentown.

The money comes from the state Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Commissioner Geoff Brace, sponsor of the bill, explained the purpose of the grant.

Brace said the grant is part of Gov. Tom Wolf and The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Public Excellence initiative.

“This is contracting [Lehigh] county as an agent,” Brace said.

Treatment Trends is one of 20 centers throughout the state with the goal of providing care and treatment for those battling addiction.

Brace further spoke on the heroin and opioid crisis affecting communities across Pennsylvania.

“It’s pretty much known in the community as a public health problem,” he said.

The board is next scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 in the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. 7th St., Allentown.