Alkermes establishes grant program for nonprofits

The maker of the injectable naltrexone product Vivitrol for the treatment of opioid and alcohol addiction has announced a new grant program under which nonprofit organizations may apply for awards of up to $25,000 or $100,000. Alkermes' Inspiration Grants are designed to support addiction and mental health initiatives addressing improvements to systems of care, as well as service delivery and medication initiatives that reflect the perspective of consumers.

Alkermes will award up to $1 million under the new effort, for which the application period is open through Oct. 7. Grants will be awarded in November, with funds distributed at the end of the calendar year.

Alkermes has enlisted a patient advocate, a representative of the justice system, a person in recovery and a caregiver for a person with mental illness to help review grant submissions.

According to a news release this week from the pharmnaceutical company, Alkermes is seeking to convey that medications are just one component of comprehensive care, and that it wants to boost the provision of wraparound services for children and families.