The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released a request for applications (RFA) to support syringe service programs (SSP) to implement projects offering low-barrier access to treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), as well as related supportive services such as case management and peer support. This opportunity will fund approximately 30 organizations that operate low-barrier OUD treatment projects. Applications are due by December 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. (PST).
New applicants may apply for a minimum of $200,000 and a maximum of $352,000 for the 16-month contract period. Partners with continuation contracts through March 31, 2023, may apply for a minimum of $200,000 and a maximum of $330,000 for their projects.
The goals of this funding opportunity include implementing low-barrier treatment to:
- Integrate opioid treatment services into existing sites and other harm-reduction services to increase the number of SSP sites where OUD treatment services are available and the number of SSP participants engaged in treatment.
- Reduce the risk of fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose.
- Support people who wish to reduce, modify, or eliminate their injection drug use or their illicit drug use in general.
- Integrate harm reduction concepts and strategies with opioid treatment programs or providers to increase trust and treatment retention, including for people who have experienced stigma and discrimination in health care settings.