First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

The First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This federal initiative is part of a broader national strategy to address the opioid crisis by equipping communities and emergency personnel with the tools necessary to prevent overdose deaths. The program aligns with federal public health priorities focused on expanding access to life-saving interventions and strengthening local response systems. The primary purpose of this program is to train first responders and community members in the administration and distribution of FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal medications. These medications, such as naloxone, are critical in reversing the effects of opioid overdoses when administered in a timely manner. The program emphasizes both training and distribution, ensuring that responders not only have access to these medications but also understand how to use them effectively in emergency situations. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support activities that increase the availability and proper use of overdose reversal drugs. Allowable uses of funds include training programs for first responders, procurement and distribution of approved medications, and community outreach initiatives designed to improve awareness and preparedness. While specific funding caps per award are not provided in the forecast, the total program funding indicates a broad distribution of resources across numerous awardees, suggesting scalable and community-focused interventions. Eligibility for this program is statutorily limited to state governments, local governmental entities, and American Indian or Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations. This reflects a targeted approach to ensure that funding is directed toward public entities and tribal organizations that are directly responsible for emergency response infrastructure and community health initiatives. The program is designed to support coordination across these entities to maximize reach and effectiveness. The application process will be conducted through Grants.gov following the official posting of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. While detailed submission components are not yet provided in the forecast, applicants can expect to prepare standard federal grant application materials, including project narratives, budgets, and organizational information. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the applicant’s capacity to implement training programs, distribute medications effectively, and demonstrate measurable impact on overdose prevention. At the time of this forecast, the opportunity is expected to be posted on May 29, 2026. Specific deadlines for application submission, award decisions, and project start dates have not yet been announced. The absence of a matching requirement lowers the barrier to entry for eligible applicants. For further information, interested parties may contact the program representative via email or phone as provided. This opportunity represents a significant investment in public health infrastructure aimed at reducing opioid-related fatalities nationwide.