SAMHSA announces nearly $1.5B in funding availability for states, tribes to combat opioid crisis

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for its State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant programs. As parts of the Trump administration’s tireless commitment to combating the nation’s opioid crisis and of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Five-Point Opioid Strategy, the two programs ultimately will direct nearly $3 billion over two years to help states and tribes provide community-level resources for people who need treatment.

SOR provides funding to states across the country to develop tailored approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid use disorders. The program provides access to lifesaving, evidence-based medication to treat opioid use disorders, along with psychosocial services and community supports. The Tribal Opioid Response program mirrors this effort at the tribal level.

Both programs have updated language that will allow grantees to also use the funds to address stimulant-related challenges that are affecting states and communities across the nation.

“We have made great progress in addressing the opioid crisis and programs, such as these, have been instrumental in that effort,” said Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, the head of SAMHSA. “Science clearly shows which treatments work best – and we are working hard to increase access to evidence-based treatments. Our communities deserve nothing less.”

SOR will send $1.42 billion a year through 59 awards to U.S. states and territories. Nearly $218 million will go to the 10 states hardest hit by the opioid crisis. TOR will send $50 million through approximately 200 awards to tribes and tribal organizations. The SOR announcement is at https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/ti-20-012, and the TOR announcement is at https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/ti-20-011.

In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released mortality and life expectancy data that showed fewer Americans had died of drug overdoses in 2018 than in 2017. Data also showed that methamphetamine had factored into a larger proportion of deaths, however.

People looking for treatment resources can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or can visit https://findtreatment.gov.

Reporters with questions should send inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.

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