Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Centers

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Centers grant opportunity is a funding initiative under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This discretionary grant is focused on addressing the opioid and stimulant misuse crisis in rural communities by establishing regional centers of excellence. These centers will develop and disseminate training and technical assistance to support local stakeholders in combating substance misuse. The grant is part of the federal government’s ongoing effort to mitigate the opioid epidemic by enhancing the capacity of rural health service providers and organizations.

This funding opportunity falls under the Opioid State Targeted Response (Opioid STR) Assistance Listing (93.788). SAMHSA expects to issue approximately 11 awards through this program, with a total estimated funding of $7,150,000. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to eligible applicants. The funding aims to provide training, best practices, and evidence-based interventions to assist rural communities in managing and preventing opioid and stimulant misuse.

Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include domestic public or nonprofit entities, state governments, political subdivisions of states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, health facilities, public and private institutions of higher education, and programs operated under a contract or grant with the Indian Health Service. This broad eligibility criterion ensures that a wide range of organizations can apply for funding to support their efforts in providing technical assistance and training to rural communities impacted by opioid and stimulant misuse.

While the specific application deadline has not yet been provided, the estimated post date for the grant opportunity is May 1, 2025. Interested applicants should anticipate updates on the estimated application due date, award date, and project start date as SAMHSA finalizes the details. Organizations seeking to apply should prepare by reviewing past opportunities and aligning their proposed initiatives with the stated objectives of the program.

For additional information regarding this grant, interested parties may contact the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at (240) 276-1660 or via email at ROTA@samhsa.hhs.gov. As the grant is still in the forecast stage, it is recommended that potential applicants monitor the official grant posting for any changes to eligibility, funding amounts, and submission requirements.