The Biden administration is making a historic investment to address opioid use disorder (OUD) and the nationwide addiction crisis. Over $1.6 billion will be directed toward community programs, including rural opioid treatment programs, designed to prevent overdoses, expand access to treatment, and strengthen behavioral health services. This effort reflects the White House’s broader commitment to making behavioral health a central part of the national agenda.
Expanding Access Through State and Tribal Programs
Of the total funding, $1.5 billion will be allocated through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) via its State Opioid Response (SOR) and Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant programs. SAMHSA, one of the federal government’s leading behavioral health agencies, will help states and tribal communities use this funding for population health interventions, including:
- Naloxone distribution to prevent fatal overdoses
- Round-the-clock opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
- Overdose education and prevention programs
- Peer-support programs in emergency rooms
The urgency of these programs is underscored by alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year, the U.S. recorded 100,306 drug overdose deaths, a 28.5% increase from the previous year, with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl driving much of this rise.
“Providing access to evidence-based, person-centered care is a central part of HHS’ strategy for ending the overdose crisis,” said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “Through these grants, we are investing in evidence-based supports and services for individuals, families, and communities on the road to recovery. Through these grants, we are investing in hope.”
Supporting Rural and Tribal Communities with Rural Opioid Treatment Programs
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural and tribal communities, the administration is dedicating $104 million through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). This funding will expand access to rural opioid treatment programs, which are crucial for individuals living in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure and workforce shortages.
The rural opioid treatment programs will focus on:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for individuals living with OUD
- Workforce mentorship and training to strengthen local capacity
- Community education initiatives to reduce stigma and raise awareness
“Today we are taking action to support the critical needs of rural and tribal communities by expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment,” said Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson. “Too often, the needs and challenges of these communities are overlooked or not well served. At HRSA, we are focused on reaching the communities that need our support the most and helping them tackle the overdose crisis through effective rural opioid treatment programs.”
By prioritizing rural opioid treatment programs, the administration aims to ensure that even the most isolated communities have access to life-saving interventions. These programs are essential not only for treatment but also for long-term recovery support in areas where options have historically been limited.
Connecting Individuals to Community Resources
In addition to expanding rural programs, the government is investing $20.5 million to connect individuals involved in the drug court system with community resources. These initiatives help stabilize people after criminal justice involvement, offering counseling, peer support, and access to rural opioid treatment programs where available.
Broader Mental Health Investments
This funding announcement builds on other behavioral health initiatives by the Biden administration. Earlier this September, $79.1 million was awarded to support OUD treatment and prevention programs. Additionally, the Safer Communities Act, passed in July, allocated over $2 billion to youth mental health programs and school-based healthcare services.
By linking these efforts to rural opioid treatment programs, the government is taking a holistic approach to behavioral health, combining prevention, education, and treatment across urban, rural, and tribal communities.
A Path Toward Hope and Recovery
The overdose crisis affects communities nationwide, with over 100,000 deaths reported last year alone. Expanding rural opioid treatment programs ensures that individuals living in rural areas can access evidence-based care, including medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and education programs.
Through these coordinated investments, the Biden administration is fostering recovery-oriented systems of care that provide both immediate intervention and long-term community support. By focusing on underserved populations and expanding access to rural opioid treatment programs, these initiatives offer hope and practical solutions for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the opioid crisis.
As Secretary Becerra emphasized, these programs represent more than funding—they are an investment in recovery, resilience, and the future well-being of Americans across the country.
