A Saint John non-profit is receiving federal funding to support those living with stimulant use disorder across southern New Brunswick.

On Thursday, Saint John-Rothesay Liberal MP Wayne Long announced more than $678,000 for RECAP.

The organization works with individuals with or at risk of acquiring hepatitis C, notably those with opiate abuse issues.

Officials said the funding would be used for RECAP’s Stimulant Treatment and Management Program (STAMP), which helps those struggling with stimulant use, specifically cocaine and methamphetamines.

Stefanie Materniak, research manager at RECAP, said the program takes a new approach by working with each participant to address their goals.

“STAMP views stimulant use as a symptom-driven by other factors in an individual’s life,” Materniak said in a news release.

According to Materniak, the funding will help them evaluate this approach to demonstrate a “practical and effective program to better the lives of people living with stimulant disorder.”

Materniak noted that there is currently no long-term effective treatment option for the disorder, despite much research.

Long, meanwhile, noted that this innovative programming will save lives and make lives better in the community.

Data provided by the federal government showed an average of 20 opioid-related deaths during the first nine months of 2022.