Rigorous Evaluation of Primary and Secondary Overdose Prevention Activities Among Populations Disproportionately Affected by Overdose

Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support research focused on populations disproportionately affected by drug overdose.

The goal is to rigorously evaluate primary or secondary prevention strategies aimed at reducing rates of nonfatal overdose, fatal overdose, and substance use disorders related to federally illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications, particularly among youth. This initiative responds to the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths, which surpassed 100,000 in 2022, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies that address social determinants of health.

Grant Details
This NOFO funds research that must rigorously evaluate either primary or secondary prevention strategies targeting at least two required outcomes: nonfatal overdose, fatal overdose, substance use disorders involving federally illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications, drug use, or initiation of drug use among youth.

Applicants can propose under two funding options: Option A supports implementation and rigorous evaluation of strategies for up to $350,000 per year for three years; Option B supports development, implementation, and rigorous evaluation for up to $700,000 per year for five years. The proposed research must employ rigorous evaluation designs including control/comparison groups and can utilize various data sources such as emergency department data and electronic health records.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses.

Applicants must demonstrate expertise in substance use disorders or overdose through relevant publications or prior research experience.

Period of Performance
The period of performance varies by funding option: Option A is expected from September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2028 (three years), while Option B is from September 30, 2025 to September 29, 2030 (five years).

Grant Value
The total expected program funding over the performance period is up to $24.5 million with individual awards potentially reaching up to $700,000 per budget period.