Tag: substance use

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Primary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth  

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a grant funding opportunity March 4 to provide support to organizations implementing primary substance use prevention programs for children and youth.   

The goal of this program is to support organizations to deliver primary prevention programs that prevent youth, ages 12 to 17, from partaking in alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Some programming ideas include increasing access to extracurricular activities, helping youth develop decision-making skills and other protective factors.  

This funding opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private and public entities, local health departments, federally recognized tribes, or an Urban Indian Health Clinic program and universities.  

Funding is provided through the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund. These funds are from a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. The state plans to receive $1.8 billion from the settlement by 2040. Funds plan to be distributed to the state and directly to county, city and township governments.  

Members are encouraged to join the pre-application conference scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.  

Applications are due by 3 p.m. April 2 via EGrAMS. More information about this funding opportunity can be found on the EGrAMS website under “Current Grants” then “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” and finally selecting the “PSUPS-2026” grant program.   

Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team. 

HHS Renews Ongoing Opioid Crisis PHE

Member News

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced March 18 the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) declaration addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. This extension, which lasts for 90 days, allows continued federal coordination efforts and preserves essential flexibilities to facilitate key actions in combating the opioid overdose crisis. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to treating the crisis as a national security emergency.

The public health emergency declaration, initially made under the Trump administration in 2017, provides HHS with special authorities, enabling expedited treatment projects, voluntary information collections and research support for opioid use disorder treatments. These actions ensure efficient multi-sector collaboration to save lives.

Opioids, particularly fentanyl, continue to claim approximately 150 lives each day in the U.S., despite a 25.5% drop in overdose deaths. Opioid overdoses remain the number one cause of death among those aged 18-44. The continuation of the public health emergency supports ongoing efforts to combat substance use, prevent overdose fatalities and provide crucial assistance to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Keystone Center Offers Learning Collaboratives for Peer Recovery Services

Member News

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to host a two-part, virtual series about peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 17 and Sept. 23.

Emergency medicine providers will have the opportunity to connect with their peers to discuss hospital-based peer recovery coach services, warm handoffs to post-acute care services and available community resources.

While funding for peer recovery programs have traditionally been an obstacle to implementation, the state of Michigan’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes $8.3 million to support reimbursement for hospitals providing peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders.

  • Registration is free of charge and emergency department physicians and care providers are encouraged to join the virtual sessions to learn from subject matter experts with hands-on experience implementing peer recovery programs. Continuing Medical Education credits will be offered for both sessions.

Nick Rademacher, MD, from Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Jacob Manteuffel, MD, from Henry Ford Health will lead the sessions.

Members with questions about the virtual sessions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.