The Biden-Harris Administration has announced over $1.5 billion in State and Tribal Opioid Response grants for fiscal year 2024. The funds, distributed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), are part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda and aim to support evidence-based treatments, recovery supports, and overdose prevention strategies.

The awards focus on increasing access to opioid overdose reversal medications and expanding services for young adults aged 16-25. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of a whole-person approach by addressing physical and mental health needs along with social supports. Notably, Tribal Opioid Response awards have increased by more than 14.5% from fiscal year 2023 levels.

“Tribal and state opioid response grants are an integral part of advancing President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ Unity Agenda for the Nation, and a key tool to beating the opioid epidemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “In the past four years, these programs have connected hundreds of thousands of people to substance use disorder treatment, supported millions of people in recovery, and enhanced naloxone saturation efforts across the country.”

HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm highlighted the significance of these grants: “Expanding access to treatment is an essential component of beating the overdose crisis. State and Tribal Opioid Response grants are a critical tool in the fight.”

Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, stated that today’s awards will help build on existing successes: “Importantly, this funding will promote comprehensive, person-centered approaches to addressing needs across the continuum of care, from prevention to recovery support.”

The breakdown of the more than $1.5 billion includes:

- State Opioid Response: $1.49 billion

- Tribal Opioid Response: $63 million

- State/Tribal Opioid Response Technical Assistance: $18.5 million

Since their inception in 2018, these grants have significantly impacted communities nationwide by providing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and stimulant use disorders such as those involving cocaine and methamphetamine.

For instance, between September 30, 2021, and September 29, 2022:

- Over 177,000 people received OUD treatment.

- More than 56,000 people received treatment for stimulant use disorder.

- Almost 480,000 people received recovery support services.

Additionally:

- Nearly 2.7 million naloxone kits were distributed.

- Over 92,000 overdose reversals were reported between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.

Participants have reported qualitative improvements in housing stability, social connectedness, health outcomes including reduced depression and anxiety levels as well as increased abstinence from alcohol or drug use.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis:

- Call or text: 988

- Chat at: 988lifeline.org

- Visit FindSupport.gov for mental health support.

- Locate a treatment facility at FindTreatment.gov or call: 800-662-HELP (4357).

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