Biden Administration Announces Funding for State and Tribal Opioid Response
On May 2, the Biden Administration released its 2024 State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response funding opportunities. The Notice of Funding includes $1.48 billion for states and territories, and $63 million specifically set aside for tribal communities. The funding can be used to support evidenced-based practices, including prevention, medications for opioid use disorder, overdose reversal medications, and other recovery supports. The tribal funding outlines continued support for existing programs, such as the distribution of naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips and providing prevention resources, treatment, and recovery support. Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon commented on the enormity of the grants, “The State and Tribal Opioid Response funding are some SAMHSA’s largest grants and will continue expanding access to care for those in the greatest need and in the most overlooked communities… These grants enable states, territories, and Tribal entities to fund programs that support the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery for millions of people.”
Articles & Resources
SAMHSA—Biden-Harris Administration Announces Critical More Than $1.5 Billion State and Tribal Opioids
National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 7th
This Tuesday marks the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. With assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resources have been put together to educate and protect the public from fentanyl-related overdose. The campaign includes factsheets, videos, and social media ads on the dangers of fentanyl and how to protect oneself from accidentally using fentanyl (fentanyl test strips), and how to use and access naloxone. The day was originally founded by families who had lost loved ones, to raise awareness on the dangers of overdose with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Schools, corporations, non-profits, families, and elected officials use this day to educate their community on the public health crisis.
Articles & Resources
NFAD—Website
What We Read Last Week
Several articles were published last week pertaining to the opioid epidemic, covering a variety of different components of the topic. Links to relevant articles are provided below.
Financial Times—California moves to cut medicine prices with novel deal on opioid overdose drugs
NBC News—Austin, Texas sees 1000% spike in overdose 911 calls likely caused by fentanyl
Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono—Dr. Bertha Madras
WSJ—TD Bank Probe Tied to Laundering of Illicit Fentanyl Profits
This Week’s Calendar
In the week ahead, there are no relevant events or hearings noticed at this time. In the event that there are any changes to the schedule for this week, we will make additional information available.
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