The Regional Prevention and Linkages to Care Collaborative (RL) is an initiative by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) aimed at addressing the state's escalating drug overdose crisis. In 2021, Ohio experienced its highest number of unintentional drug overdose deaths, with 5,174 fatalities, averaging approximately 14 deaths per day, nearly 12 of which involved opioids. ​

The primary objective of the RL program is to enhance regional prevention efforts and improve linkages to care for individuals affected by substance use disorders. This involves employing regional prevention leads who coordinate activities across designated areas, fostering collaborations among local health departments, law enforcement, public safety agencies, and community organizations. The program emphasizes the development and implementation of interventions at the intersection of public health and public safety, aiming to reduce overdose incidents and fatalities. ​

Eligible applicants for the RL program include local public health agencies within specified regions of Ohio. For instance, the RL25 solicitation specifically targeted the Southeast Region, with eligibility confined to applicants from that area. Applicants were required to demonstrate collaboration by providing letters of support from at least three health departments within their region, underscoring the program's emphasis on regional cooperation. ​

The funding scope of the RL program encompasses various activities, including:​

Employing a full-time regional prevention lead to serve as the primary program coordinator.​

Identifying and building relationships with key leaders and programs, particularly within law enforcement and public safety sectors, to support interventions that bridge public health and public safety efforts.​

Conducting assessments of drug overdose prevention efforts to identify needs, service gaps, and opportunities for further development, including the placement of navigators in healthcare, harm reduction, public safety, and community-based organizations.​

Overseeing the placement of linkage navigators in various settings, such as harm reduction facilities, clinical environments (e.g., Federally Qualified Health Centers, free clinics), and community-based organizations like homeless shelters and food pantries.​

These activities are designed to create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to overdose prevention and care linkage across Ohio. ​

Submission requirements for the RL program typically include:​

Completion of an online application via the Grants Management Information System (GMIS).​

Submission of necessary attachments, such as letters of support, work plans, and budget justifications.​

Adherence to specified formatting guidelines for all submitted documents.​

Applicants are expected to outline their strategies for achieving the program's objectives, detailing planned activities, timelines, and evaluation methods. ​

Evaluation criteria for the RL program focus on the applicant's ability to effectively coordinate regional prevention efforts, establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, and implement evidence-based interventions. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate capacity for data collection and analysis to assess program impact and inform continuous improvement. ​

For the RL25 solicitation, the program period was defined as September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.