HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) recently announced the availability of $2 million in grants aimed at community-based prevention services across Pennsylvania. This funding stems from the Mallinckrodt Opioid Settlement, which was part of a broader multistate investigation initiated by former Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The settlement has generated billions in agreements with various opioid manufacturers and distributors, earmarked for addressing the opioid epidemic.
The initiative, as outlined by DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, underscores prevention as the critical frontline strategy to avert the development of substance use disorders. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to providing critical prevention supports and resources throughout Pennsylvania’s cities, neighborhoods, towns, and communities as a whole,” she stated.
Under this funding scheme, DDAP plans to award approximately 10 grants, each potentially reaching $200,000, to community-based organizations dedicated to the primary prevention of opioid use disorder (OUD). Primary prevention efforts focus on stopping substance use before it begins or preventing further use beyond initial experimentation. Proposed activities must be executed in community environments or post-secondary educational settings.
Eligible prevention activities include the establishment of community anti-drug coalitions, supporting these coalitions with evidence-informed prevention methods, and engaging non-profits and faith-based organizations in prevention efforts. Additionally, the funding supports youth-focused programs that have shown efficacy in preventing drug misuse, educational programs targeting at-risk groups, and initiatives addressing mental health needs that could lead to substance misuse.
A significant emphasis of the grant program is health equity. DDAP intends to prioritize funding for areas with higher overdose death rates. Accordingly, three grants will be awarded to organizations in Philadelphia, three in Allegheny County, and the remaining four to qualifying counties that exceed the state’s average overdose death rate.
Interested organizations must submit their applications electronically by 12:00 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024. Applications will be evaluated based on adherence to the funding guidelines and their timely submission, ensuring a fair and competitive review process.
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