Opioid Workforce Expansion Program - Paraprofessionals

For programmatic or technical assistance questions:
Nicole M. Wilkerson
301.443.7759
OWEP-para@hrsa.gov

For business, administrative, or fiscal questions:
William Weisenberg
301.443.8056
wweisenberg@hrsa.gov

The Opioid Workforce Expansion Program for Paraprofessionals provides grants to train behavioral health-related paraprofessionals, such as peer support specialists, to address the behavioral health needs, including opioid use disorder (OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD), in high-need underserved and rural populations. A special emphasis is on demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the specific concerns of children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth in high need and high demand areas who are at risk for behavioral health disorders.

The program goal is to increase the number of peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals trained in the provision of OUD and other SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services to serve in high need and high demand areas. A detailed list of program objectives is available in the application instructions.

Eligible applicants include:

• State-licensed mental health nonprofit and for-profit organizations
• Accredited academic institutions
• Tribal organizations, if otherwise eligible

Award ceiling: $900,000
Project period: 3 years
Estimated number of awards: 33
Estimated total program funding: $29,800,000

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