Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Centers

The Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Centers program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to address substance use disorders and strengthen behavioral health systems nationwide, particularly in underserved and rural communities. SAMHSA has a longstanding role in supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery services through cooperative agreements and technical assistance programs that enhance local and regional capacity. This forecasted opportunity reflects continued federal investment in addressing the opioid crisis and emerging stimulant misuse challenges through coordinated, evidence-based support structures. The primary purpose of this program is to develop and disseminate training and technical assistance that directly addresses opioid and stimulant misuse in rural communities. The program structure includes ten regional centers and one national coordinating office, all working collaboratively to provide comprehensive support. These centers are expected to deliver high-quality technical assistance focused on prevention, including overdose prevention, as well as treatment and recovery support services. The initiative emphasizes addressing substance use disorders broadly, including polysubstance use, which has become increasingly prevalent in rural populations. Funding under this opportunity will support the creation and operation of these technical assistance centers. Activities may include workforce development, training programs, dissemination of best practices, and support for community-based organizations and health systems. While specific allowable and unallowable costs are not detailed in the forecast, cooperative agreement funding typically supports programmatic activities aligned with federal priorities, including staffing, program delivery, and coordination efforts. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement indicated, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible organizations. Eligibility is limited to domestic public and private nonprofit entities, including faith-based organizations. This inclusive eligibility framework allows a broad range of organizations to apply, including nonprofits, academic institutions, and other mission-driven entities with the capacity to deliver technical assistance at scale. The emphasis on nonprofit status ensures alignment with public health objectives and community service missions. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to operate either a regional center or the national coordinating office and collaborate effectively within a networked system. The application process details are not yet fully available due to the forecasted status of the opportunity. However, applicants can expect a standard federal grant submission process through Grants.gov once the opportunity is officially posted. This typically includes submission of a full application package with narrative components, budget justifications, and supporting documentation. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are currently specified. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the official posting for detailed instructions, evaluation criteria, and required components. The evaluation process will likely focus on the applicant’s organizational capacity, experience in substance use disorder services, ability to deliver technical assistance, and proposed approach to addressing rural needs. Collaboration across regional centers and alignment with national priorities will also be key considerations. Contact information for the program includes Twyla Adams, who can be reached by phone or email for inquiries, indicating a point of contact for further clarification once the opportunity is live. The timeline for this opportunity is currently in the forecast stage. The estimated posting date is May 29, 2026, with no specified application deadline, award date, or project start date yet available. The total estimated program funding is $7,150,000, with approximately eleven awards expected. Because this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should treat this as an early engagement phase and begin preparing organizational materials and partnerships in advance of the official release. No recurrence pattern is specified, so it is unclear whether this program will be offered annually.