Baltimore County Executive Olszewski Announces New Opioid Abatement Grant Program

TOWSON – In an effort to better support overdose prevention strategies and response organizations engaged in harm reduction, treatment and recovery efforts, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced the new Opioid Abatement Fund grants program. The grant program – designed for opioid remediation projects – is supported with funds received by the County through the National Opioid Settlement.
 
“The opioid epidemic continues to be a serious public health concern in Baltimore County, and there’s not a community in the area that hasn’t been touched by the disease of opioid addiction,” sad Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “These grants will help us continue to do everything within our power to raise awareness, increase access to services and save the lives of our neighbors and loved ones.”
 
The overdose epidemic has had far-reaching effects on Baltimore County citizens and these funds will help community-based organizations deliver the services needed to support individuals on their path to recovery.
 
Funds are available for opioid remediation projects as defined by the National Opioid Settlement and the Baltimore County Overdose Response Priorities. The Baltimore County Priorities were determined by public input, subject matter experts, fatality case reviews and interviews with individuals who have lost a loved one to overdose. Projects may address, but are not limited to:

• Community-based harm reduction services, including naloxone dispensing, evidence-based services, mobile services, street-based outreach and inclusion of all routes of drug use;
• Expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder;
• Integration of trauma-informed care in service provision to high-risk populations;
• Providing treatment options that support individuals with children and pregnant women, including family-centered treatment approaches;
• Education and resources to support families affected by substance use disorder; and
• Services targeted to high risk or underserved populations.

Organizations addressing overdose prevention and response that are private or not-for profit, serve Baltimore County residents and preferably have a physical location in Baltimore County are encouraged to apply. Projects should request a minimum of $25,000 and no more than $250,000 annually.
 
Project proposals are due Friday, November 8, 2024 at 4 p.m.
 
Successful projects will be awarded one year of funding with the opportunity to have funding renewed for an additional two (2) years, dependent on achievement of timeline benchmarks and performance metrics.

The application and full information about the grants are available on Baltimore County’s Opioid Abatement Fund webpage.
 
Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend the Baltimore County Opioid Abatement Fund Grant webinar on Wednesday, October 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested organizations are encouraged to register here.