Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced significant funding opportunities to address the overdose crisis in the United States. The 2024 State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Notices of Funding Opportunity provide up to $1.48 billion to states, territories, and the District of Columbia, and $63 million to Tribes.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “State and Tribal Opioid Response grants provide essential support in the fight against the overdose crisis.” The funding aligns with the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy and aims to bolster the implementation of evidence-based practices.
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta highlighted the administration's commitment to expanding access to life-saving treatments and services, stating, “These State and Tribal Opioid Response grants will support critical local efforts in our whole-of-society response to address the overdose epidemic and save lives.”
Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm reiterated President Biden's dedication to providing states, Tribes, and territories with the necessary tools to combat the overdose crisis, emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to care for individuals seeking support for substance use disorder.
SAMHSA Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, emphasized the impact of the funding, stating, “Thanks to this funding, many more lives will be saved.” The grants enable states, territories, and Tribal entities to fund programs that support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services for millions of people.
The funding opportunities include initiatives to distribute overdose reversal medications, expand access to treatment for transitional aged youth and young adults, provide services in correctional settings, and emphasize a whole-person approach to care. The grants aim to build on past successes, with previous recipients reporting significant outcomes, including overdose reversals, naloxone distribution, and individuals receiving treatment services and medication for opioid use disorder.
TOR awards will also support Tribal communities in providing treatment, recovery support, and prevention resources. To aid in planning and implementing overdose response activities, SOR awards will be extended from two to three years, and TOR awards from two to five years.
Under President Biden's leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments and taken action to address substance use disorder and save lives. Individuals in crisis can seek help by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. For mental health, drug, or alcohol support, resources are available at FindSupport.gov, and treatment facility locators can be found at FindTreatment.gov or by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).
Reporters seeking further information can direct inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.
