First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

The First Responders Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding opportunity is designed to address the ongoing opioid overdose crisis by strengthening the capacity of first responders and communities to prevent overdose deaths. The program is authorized under Section 546 of the Public Health Service Act and reflects national priorities to expand access to opioid overdose reversal medications and enhance coordinated prevention strategies. It places particular emphasis on rural and tribal communities, which face disproportionate impacts due to limited access to treatment and recovery services. The primary purpose of the program is to train first responders and community stakeholders in administering FDA approved opioid overdose reversal medications and implementing overdose prevention strategies. Applicants are required to deliver training, education, and outreach activities, while also establishing systems for post overdose response, including referrals to treatment and recovery support services. The initiative seeks to increase workforce capacity among emergency personnel such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and crisis response providers, while also engaging nontraditional community partners to extend prevention efforts. Funding supports a wide range of activities, including training on overdose response, community engagement, and program implementation aligned with evidence based practices. Recipients must conduct structured training programs, build partnerships with at least two community anchors, and establish referral mechanisms for individuals following overdose events. While additional allowable activities include purchasing overdose reversal medications and supporting workforce development, all expenditures must comply with federal restrictions. Notably, funding cannot be used for activities that conflict with federal policy priorities, including certain harm reduction approaches or initiatives deemed inconsistent with statutory requirements. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments, local governmental entities, and federally recognized tribal organizations. Applicants may submit multiple applications if they target different populations or geographic areas, though no more than two awards may be granted per organization. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers barriers to entry for eligible public entities. However, applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, establish qualified key personnel, and ensure compliance with federal regulations and reporting requirements. The application process requires registration with federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple required attachments such as letters of commitment and a project timeline. The project narrative is limited to ten pages and must address specific evaluation criteria including need, implementation approach, evidence based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Peer reviewers assess applications based on these criteria, and final funding decisions also consider alignment with agency priorities and available funding. The application deadline is July 27, 2026, with awards expected to be announced by September 1, 2026 and project activities beginning September 30, 2026. The project period may extend up to four years, with annual continuation contingent on performance and funding availability. Recipients must begin service delivery within four months of award and participate in ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, including submission of performance data through SAMHSA systems. SAMHSA provides multiple points of contact for applicants, including programmatic, financial, and review related inquiries via dedicated email addresses and phone numbers. The program includes ongoing technical assistance and requires participation in evaluation activities to assess impact. While the opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence, it aligns with ongoing federal efforts to combat substance use and overdose, suggesting potential future funding cycles subject to congressional appropriations and agency priorities.v

Ensure alignment with SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly demonstrate community partnerships and required activities; provide strong data collection and evaluation plans; adhere strictly to formatting and page limits