AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The federal government is hoping to help Maine create jobs in parts of the state that have been hit hard by the opioid use disorder epidemic.

The state is on pace to potentially surpass the record number of drug overdose deaths that occurred in 2020. There were more than 500 overdose deaths in Maine last year.

The U.S. Department of Labor said Wednesday that it is awarding the Maine Department of Labor more than $2 million to create jobs and provide employment services to residents in nine counties that have been significantly affected by the crisis.

The federal labor department said the grant will provide employment in jobs that address the opioid crisis, such as alcohol and drug counselors and recovery coaches. The department said the money can also provide services to reintegrate workers who have been affected by the crisis into the workforce.

It can also provide training for people to work in mental health treatment, addiction treatment and pain management, the department said.