SAMHSA Distributes $11 Million to Prevent Overdoses

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced August 16, 2021, the distribution of 13 grants totaling $11 million to reduce the number of prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths and adverse events by training first responders and other key community groups.

The Grants to Prevent Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths (PDO) will fund training to prevent prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths, as well as secondary prevention strategies, including the purchase and distribution of naloxone to first responders.

“The more SAMHSA does to equip communities across the country to prevent fatal overdoses, the more opportunities our loved ones will have to pursue treatments for substance use disorders and experience long-term recovery,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, the Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and leader of SAMHSA. “This is a need that preceded the COVID-19 pandemic and has only grown more urgent over the course of the past 18 months.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the 12-month period ending December 2020, there were 92,183 reported fatal overdoses. The corresponding 12-month period for the preceding year saw 71,130 overdose deaths.

Thirteen grantees will receive up to $850,000 per year over five years—today’s distribution was for the first year—for a total of approximately $55.2 million, subject to availability of funds and grantee performance. See a full list of PDO grant recipients here.

People who need to find substance use disorder treatment options near them should visit findtreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).