New Funding Opportunity: Rural Health Opioid Program

June 16, 2017

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is pleased to announce a new pilot grant program: the Rural Health Opioid Program (HRSA-17-022).

This program will bring together health care providers, such as local health departments, hospitals, primary care practices, and substance abuse treatment centers, as well as social service and faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and other community-based groups to respond with a multifaceted approach to the opioid epidemic in a rural community.  Approximately $3 million will be awarded annually for up to 12 grantees during the 2017 – 2020 cohort.  Applications are due July 21, 2017.

The goal of the Rural Health Opioid Program is to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to opioid overdoses in rural communities.  Consortiums will work towards identifying individuals at-risk of overdose and guide them towards recovery by providing outreach and education on locally available treatment options and support services.  Consortiums are further encouraged to implement care coordination practices to organize patient care activities and support individuals in recovery by establishing new or enhancing existing behavioral counselling and peer support activities.  It is expected that consortiums will also educate the greater community about local opioid issues and what role community members can play in response to the crisis, in an attempt to gather support and reduce stigma throughout the community.

For additional information on the Rural Health Opioid Program please join us for a technical assistance webinar on July 13th at 2:00 pm EDT.  Additional information about this webinar can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=284888.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Michael Blodgett:  mblodgett@hrsa.gov or 301-443-0144.