Iowa HHS Announces New Funding to Fight Opioid Crisis

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is launching a new funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis.

This funding comes from House File 1038 passed earlier this year, which directs 75% of Iowa's opioid settlement money toward efforts to reduce opioid misuse and its impacts.

"As governor, I'm proud of the work we're doing to strengthen our behavioral health and recovery networks to expand access to treatment, improve coordination, and remove barriers that keep people from getting the help they need," said Governor Kim Reynolds. "By using Iowa's opioid settlement funds to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services we're building a stronger Iowa - one that invests in people, believes in second chances, and never gives up on anyone."

"These funds are a vital step in helping individuals and families recover from the devastating effects of opioid addiction," said Larry Johnson, Director of Iowa HHS. "Our goal is to bring healing and hope to every corner of the state."

Iowa HHS will allocate this funding through a competitive application process. There will be two rounds of funding: one starting now and another in the spring. Each project can receive up to $1 million, with $7 million available in each round.

Projects must focus on one or more of the following goals:

• Identifying and addressing needs in communities affected by opioids.
• Using proven or community-based methods to support people impacted by opioid use.
• Working with local service providers to improve recovery outcomes.
• Promoting the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and distributing overdose reversal drugs (OORM).
• Respecting the privacy and dignity of people receiving services.
• Using data to show results and improve services.

To help shape this effort, Iowa HHS met with all seven of the state's new Behavioral Health Service System District Advisory Councils to hear about local needs.

For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.iowagrants.gov/viewStorefrontOpportunity.do?OIDString=1758745329639%7COpportunity.