First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Grants

For programmatic or technical questions:

Anthony Bethea
DTPFRCARA@samhsa.hhs.gov

For grants management or budget questions:
240.276.1400
FOACSAP@samhsa.hhs.gov

For grant review process and application status questions:
Stephanie Boyd
240.276.1451
stephanie.boyd@samhsa.hhs.gov

This program (Short Title: FR-CARA) provides grants to give first responders and members of other key community sectors resources to train, carry, and administer a drug or device approved or cleared under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for emergency reversal of known or suspected opioid overdose. Populations of focus include populations disproportionately impacted by opioid use, primary treatment admissions, and high overdose rates.

Grant funds should be used to support the following activities:

1. Provide resources to support the purchase and distribution of Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act-approved/cleared devices for emergency reversal of known or suspected opioid overdose by first responders and members of other key community sectors
2. Train and provide resources for first responders and members of other key community sectors on carrying and administering an approved drug or device
3. Train and provide resources for first responders and members of other key community sectors on safety around fentanyl, carfentanil, and other dangerous drugs and for establishing policies and procedures to implement evidence-based, trauma-informed care practices
4. Establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for referral to appropriate treatment and recovery support, which may include an outreach coordinator, peer support specialist, or mobile crisis services to connect individuals receiving opioid overdose reversal drugs to follow-up services
5. Develop a Naloxone Education and Distribution Plan to be submitted within the first 6 months of the award
6. Form or join an established advisory committee that meets the requirements of the grant
7. Hire staff that represent the population of the community and translate tools and resources available to recipients of services
8. Develop strategies to provide, increase, or enhance access to services for people of all racial/ethnic/marginalized groups in the community
9. Create conflict and grievance resolutions processes that are culturally and linguistically appropriate

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments
• Territorial governments and the District of Columbia
• American Indian/Alaska Native tribes
• Tribal organizations
• Consortia of tribes or tribal organizations
• Local governmental entities

Award ceiling based on applicant type:

• States - $800,000 per year
• Local government entities - $500,000 per year
• Tribes and tribal organizations - $250,000 per year

Project period: Up to 4 years
Expected number of awards: 34
Estimated total program funding: $17,200,000

Approximately $6,300,000 of the total grant funds will be awarded to eligible entities that are not located in metropolitan statistical areas.

Links to the full announcement, application instructions, and the online application process are available through grants.gov.