HHS provides states second installment of grant awards to combat opioid crisis

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing the second year of funding to 50 states, four U.S. territories, and the free associated states of Palau and Micronesia, totaling $485 million to continue the Nation’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

“The Trump Administration is partnering with states and territories to accelerate the deployment of this historic level of resources provided by the Congress to fight the epidemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “These funds will help support evidence-based efforts at the state level to prevent misuse of opioids in the first place, expand access to effective treatment options for people in need, and support recovery for those who have prevailed.”

The Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grants, which were created by the 21st Century Cures Act, are administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within HHS.

Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use said, “Within the first year, we have already seen states use the funding to support innovative models to connect Americans with the evidence-based programs and practices proven to help people who have opioid use disorders.”

Grantees have used first year funding to implement effective medication-assisted treatment, promote the use of naloxone and key prevention strategies, and build sustainable systems of recovery support services across the country. Prevention efforts include communications campaigns along with use of proven community-based strategies. People in recovery, friends, and family members with personal experience are helping enhance recovery support.

This funding is just one more step in implementing HHS’ comprehensive five-pronged strategy to address the opioid crisis. Within the next few months, SAMHSA will release details of a separate $1 billion grant funding opportunity for states, territories, and tribes hardest hit by the crisis. This new funding is expected to be awarded in September 2018.

People grappling with substance use disorders can find treatment resources at SAMHSA’s site: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov or by calling SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP. People who could use help determining which treatment provider is appropriate for their needs can find free guidance at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Finding-Quality-Treatment-for-Substance-Use-Disorders/PEP18-TREATMENT-LOC.

More information on HHS work to combat the opioid crisis can be viewed at https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/

Details of the funding amounts for each state and territory: