HHS provides $1.5 billion to fund state opioid grant program

A federal grant will provide nearly $1.5 billion to states and territories to address the nation’s opioid addiction and overdose epidemic, HHS announced in a press release.

Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the HHS State Opioid Response grant program will provide formula funding to states and territories to increase access for FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, as well as support for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support services.

“The State Opioid Response grant program delivers crucial aid to states and territories to help address the crisis of overdose and death in our nation’s communities,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the press release. “In line with HHS’ Overdose Prevention Strategy, this funding helps facilitate state- and territory-level efforts to ensure the full continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and long-term recovery supports are in place and accessible to all who need them.”

The State Opioid Response program will provide care for stimulant misuse and use disorders, including cocaine and methamphetamine. The goal of the program is to help reduce overdose deaths and close the gap in treatment needs by giving states and territories flexibility in funding evidence-based practices and support across different settings.

“SAMHSA will continue supporting our nation’s states and territories as they confront the overdose crisis that has brought tragedy to so many American families and communities,” SAMHSA leader Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, said in the release. “The State Opioid Response grant program delivers funding and guidance needed for states and territories to increase efforts to provide accessible, lifesaving medications and services in the communities where people most need them.”

Overdose deaths have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the CDC estimating more than 107,000 overdose deaths in the last year, the highest ever reported in a 12-month span.

In addition to the State Opioid Response program, states and territories will be asked to develop naloxone distribution and saturation plans that will increase availability and accessibility for the overdose reversal medication.