Reducing Overdose Deaths in California through Prevention, Treatment and Harm Reduction Strategies led by Multi-Sector Coalitions

The "COPN Coalition Funding RFA Overview" provides details on funding opportunities aimed at reducing overdose deaths in California through multi-sector coalitions. Here are key aspects of the funding opportunity: Funding Source and Administration: The funding is provided through the California State Opioid Response (SOR) IV grant, managed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), with administrative support from the Public Health Institute (PHI) under the California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN). Funding Tiers and Objectives: Tier 1: Offers $45,000 per year for coalitions that include five total objectives in their workplan (three required objectives plus two additional optional objectives). Tier 2: Provides $75,000 per year for coalitions that include seven to nine total objectives (three required and at least four additional optional objectives). Required and Optional Objectives: Required Objectives: Expand overdose prevention education, awareness, and/or stigma reduction. Improve access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and recovery services. Increase availability of harm reduction resources and services. Optional Objectives include leveraging partnerships with other state-funded initiatives, addressing polysubstance use, implementing strategies with high-risk populations, integrating with behavioral health services, and addressing social determinants of health related to overdose prevention. Eligibility: Eligible applicants include public and non-profit organizations representing local or regional overdose prevention coalitions in California. Applicants must demonstrate the multi-sector nature of their coalition. Agreement Period and Payment Structure: The funding agreement will cover January 1, 2025, to August 30, 2027 (32 months), with the final payment prorated for the last 8 months of the agreement. Payments are divided into quarterly installments, contingent upon submission of progress reports and deliverables. Application Timeline and Review Process: The application process opens on October 22, 2024, and closes on December 6, 2024. Notifications of funding will be sent in January 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from COPN and DHCS. Reporting Requirements: Funded coalitions must submit quarterly reports on progress and deliverables, including performance data, the number of naloxone doses and fentanyl test strips distributed, and the number of prevention education events conducted. This funding aims to support community-driven approaches to reduce overdose deaths by promoting prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies across California.