NEW STATE OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION NOW INCLUDES UIOS

On April 8, 2021, Rep. David Trone introduced a bill titled “State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021” to amend the 21st Century Cures Act to reauthorize and expand a grant program for State response to the opioid use disorders crisis, and for other purposes. This bill authorizes funding at $1.75 billion for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2027, to remain available until expended.

This bill includes a 5% set aside of the funds made available for each fiscal year for Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) to address substance abuse disorders through public health-related activities such as implementing prevention activities, establishing or improving prescription drug monitoring programs, training for health care practitioners, supporting access to health care services, recovery support services, and other activities related to addressing substance use disorders.

NCUIH has long advocated for UIOs to be added to the SOR grants given the extent of the impact of the opioid epidemic on urban Indians. NCUIH supports Rep. Trone’s legislation to reauthorize the 21st Century Cures Act grant program for State response to the opioid crisis and its inclusion of UIOs.