Applications are due May 4, 2020.

The Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant program “aims to address opioid crisis in tribal communities by increasing access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based treatment. … The intent is to reduce unmet treatment need and opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment and/or recovery activities for OUD.” Legal aid is an eligible subgrantee.

Helpful resources

• Learn how civil legal aid helps those affected by the opioid crisis in a co-branded NLADA and Justice in Government Project factsheet. On the last page are four examples of partnerships that are currently serving individuals affected by the opioid crisis.
• The NLADA recently presented at a national conference on how legal aid can help individuals affected by substance use disorders. We also heard from two states on what they’re doing to address the opioid crisis. Access that presentation here.
• Interested in other block grant funding? The Justice in Government Project at American University has a grants matrix, where they provide descriptions of state-administered federal pass-through funding, language regarding legal aid, examples, and helpful tips.

Grant information

Funding Title: Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Grants

Agency Name: Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Funding Opportunity Number: TI-20-011

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: Legal services could fit in the language describing the purpose of SOR. The FY 2019 TOR Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) explains that grantees are “required to employ effective prevention and recovery support services to ensure that individuals are receiving a comprehensive array of services across the spectrum of prevention, treatment, and recovery.”

Required activities similarly include implementing “service delivery models that enable the full spectrum of treatment and recovery support services that facilitate positive treatment outcomes and long-term recovery.”

In July 2019, Vermont Legal Aid began work under a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant agreement with the Vermont Department of Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, to establish three Medical-Legal Partnerships with recovery service providers in Chittenden and Washington counties. Through the project, VLA will provide legal advocacy to address health-harming legal needs that constitute barriers to successful recovery through biweekly office hours, trainings, and legal clinics.

Target Population: Individuals in substance use treatment and recovery

Expected Number of Awards: 200

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Estimated Total Program Funding: $50,000,000

Award Ceiling: $1,800,000

Award Floor: $0

How to Apply: The only eligible applicants are federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe or tribal organization. Legal aid is an eligible subgrantee.

Current Closing Date for Applications: it is estimated to be due on February 28, 2020. The estimated due date is not yet posted.

For more information

Link to Full Announcement: Link to Grants.gov listing. Link to the Funding Opportunity Announcement from SAMHSA.

Contact Information: Contact Odessa Crocker, 240-276-1078 at odessa.crocker@samhsa.hhs.gov

Categories: Department of Health and Human Services, Express Language for Legal Aid, Medical-Legal Partnerships, Native American Tribes or Tribal Organizations, Native Americans, Pass-Through Funds/ Block Grants, Subgrant Possibilities, Substance Use Disorder