HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is taking action to address the opioid epidemic with a $25 million investment over the next two years, funded by a settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The county is expected to receive approximately $127 million over the next 18 years as part of the settlement.
Hillsborough County Health Care Services has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) from organizations seeking funding for programs focused on opioid addiction prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.
READ: Firm Pays $650 Million Settlement For Role In Fueling U.S. Opioid Crisis
The funding will be allocated as follows:
- Prevention: 15%
- Education: 15%
- Treatment: 45%
- Recovery: 25%
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on communities across the U.S., including Hillsborough County. Fatal overdoses in the county have risen dramatically, from 142 in 2013 to 568 in 2023, with fentanyl being a major contributor.
“The issuance of the Request for Applications is a major step in Hillsborough County’s efforts to enhance available services by funding innovative and cost-effective programs to help address the opioid epidemic,” the county stated in a press release.
Applications are due by February 26th. Funding recommendations will be reviewed by the Behavioral Health Task Force and the Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board before being submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
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