Applications Open For Funds To Address Opioid Crisis In Maryland

The money comes from legal settlements from opioid manufacturers and distributors.Baltimore, Md (KM) The State Department of Health says requests for applications are now being accepted by Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund. These funds, which come from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributers, will be used to support programs that address the misuse of opioid products, and to treat opioid use.”As health leaders, we are responsible for ensuring that the people and communities struggling with opioids have the resources they need. Through this RFA’s, we will identify high need organizations, and fund effective, evidence-based programs to maximize our impact, ” says Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland’s Secretary of Health, in a statement. “This funding which is from prescription opioid manufacturers and distributors is available to help Marylanders  who need it most.”The applicants will be awarded funds every two years, with one additional option year based on funding availability .Examples of  the  programs eligible for these funds  include Naloxone;  treatment of incarcerated individuals; medication-assisted treatment distribution and other opioid-related treatment; pregnant and post-partum women: expansion of treatment for neo-natal abstinence syndrome; expansion warm hands-off programs and recovery services; prevention programs and expansion of syringe services programs.The deadline to apply is July 26th, 2024.Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund was set up in 2019 to accept funds awarded to the state from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The Department of Health says Maryland is expected to receive $500 million from this settlement. Those funds will be distributed to state’s Opioid Restitution Fund over the next 18 years.The Health Department says last year, 2,513 Marylanders died from fatal overdoses.By Kevin McManus