Tribal organizations eligible for HHS opioid treatment grants

Although all tribes and tribal associations nationwide are eligible, South Dakota recently learned that it was not selected as one of 35 states to receive a grant through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The grants are intended to help provide medication-assisted treatment for people addicted to opioids.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within HSS, announced the grant eligible states this week. SAMHSA chose states according to per capita primary treatment admission rates for heroin and opioids, as well as states that experienced the largest increases in heroin and opioid admissions.

Although South Dakota was not selected, SAMHSA said all tribes and tribal associations may still apply for funding. SAMHSA will award a maximum of 125 grants of up to $524,670 per year, for three years.

Eligible states and tribes must complete an application by July 9. Click here for more information and application materials.

In addition, Congress is continuing its debate on how to best approach the opioid epidemic in the country. The Senate and House are expected to move forward with a wide range of initiatives by midsummer. The House is further along in the decision-making process and is expected to take up additional bills next week. The Senate Finance Committee will likely take up several opioid-related initiatives this week.