Local non-profits named as opioid settlement grantees

The Division of Public Health (DPH) has announced the grantees for the Statewide Opioid Settlement grant, part of the National Opioid Settlement funds to help Alaska’s communities address the opioid epidemic. These grants represent approximately $2.8 million that will be annually available to support a three-year program totaling almost $8.5 million.

Groups from different regions across the state were listed as awardees. Here in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, three non-profits have been named as recipients, including Mat-Su Youth Housing, which will receive $142,000 to provide peer support services at their drop-in center; Set Free, set to receive $142,857 to help increase medical staffing to expand treatment availability; and Sunshine Community Health Center will receive $129,843 to help create peer specialists and provide transportation support.

Statewide, the Alaska Behavioral Health Association will receive $291,248, which will be used to provide training and technical assistance support to the DPH FY25 Opioid Settlement grantees. Award additional subawards to new grantees working on opioid remediation efforts.

The grantees applied through a competitive RFP process. Final decisions on awardees were made by a committee with representatives from DPH, the Division of Behavioral Health, State of Alaska procurement, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust. The maximum number of grantees for each Public Health Region are three, with one additional statewide grantee.

“Alaska’s communities continue to be ravaged by the opioid epidemic, and there is no “one size fits” all approach to addressing the problems created by it,” said Lindsey Kato, Director of the Division of Public Health. “Taking a community-level approach through each of these grantees provides us the best opportunity to affect change through meaningful, lasting actions.”

Alaskans seeking treatment for themselves, or a loved one are encouraged to contact their primary care provider, mental health provider, or call 1-800-662-4357 to find treatment options. For help with mental-health related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, call or text 988; dial 911 for a medical emergency. Additional information about overdose in Alaska, prevention, and other resources are available at opioids.alaska.gov.