Buprenorphine Training Grant Program

The Buprenorphine Training Grant Program is administered by Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response, a state entity responsible for coordinating interagency efforts to address substance use and overdose across Maryland. The office works under a statewide strategy focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and public safety. This grant program was established under Maryland House Bill 1131 of 2025, which created both the Buprenorphine Training Workgroup and this funding opportunity to expand emergency response capabilities related to opioid overdoses. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to improving post-overdose care through evidence-based medication-assisted treatment. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial support to county governments to train paramedics in the administration of buprenorphine, a medication used to reduce withdrawal symptoms following opioid overdose reversal. Emergency medical services personnel are often the first to respond to overdose incidents and administer naloxone. However, naloxone can trigger withdrawal symptoms, and buprenorphine provides a critical follow-up intervention that stabilizes individuals and increases the likelihood of entering treatment and recovery services. This program is designed to strengthen that continuum of care at the point of emergency response. Funding is available to support training costs only, and all awarded funds must be used exclusively for training paramedics in buprenorphine administration. Eligible expenses include costs associated with training delivery, such as contractual services with trainers, personnel time, and related expenditures directly tied to training activities. Funds may not be used for unrelated programmatic or operational costs. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur and document eligible expenses before receiving payment. All costs must align with the approved budget and be incurred within the established performance period. Eligibility is limited to local government entities within Maryland, including county governments and EMS organizations. Joint applications are permitted, allowing multiple local government entities to collaborate and send paramedics from multiple departments to a shared training program, which can increase the maximum funding amount proportionally. Applicants are required to obtain approval from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems for the buprenorphine optional protocol prior to submission. This approval must be documented and included in the application package, ensuring that training aligns with state clinical standards. The application process requires submission of a complete application package through a Smartsheet portal. Required components include a completed application form, a detailed budget template with justifications, outcome metrics, a quality management plan, and the required approval letter from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a grants evaluation committee composed of Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response staff. Proposals are scored based on alignment with program priorities, clarity of project design, measurable goals, budget justification, and plans for follow-up care and quality management. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all available funding for the fiscal year is exhausted. The program was re-released on November 12, and awards are made continuously throughout the funding period. The anticipated period of performance begins on the date of award and extends through June 30, 2026. Recipients must submit final reimbursement requests and project reports by July 31, 2026. The program is expected to recur annually for the next five fiscal years, with future funding opportunities to support buprenorphine initiation through emergency medical services. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact the program’s grant administrators, including Khalil Cutair, Deborah Davis, and Bree McMorrow at the Maryland Office of Overdose Response. These contacts provide support related to application requirements, submission procedures, and program compliance. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, including the number of paramedics trained, the number of overdose responses involving buprenorphine administration, and successful linkage to treatment services following emergency care.

Ensure strong measurable outcomes and clear linkage between training activities and overdose response impact; provide detailed and justified budget aligned to project goals; include clear follow-up protocols demonstrating linkage to care