Request for Proposals for Opioid Settlement Initiative

Background
In July 2021, Attorney General Josh Stein announced a historic $26 billion agreement aimed at providing resources to communities affected by the opioid epidemic. This agreement resolves litigation against four companies linked to the crisis. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between state and local governments outlines the distribution and use of opioid settlement funds.

In North Carolina, 15% of these funds are allocated to the state while 85% are distributed among its 100 counties and 17 municipalities. Cumberland County, which has seen a significant overdose death rate, aims to utilize these funds to implement high-impact strategies that address the opioid crisis locally. The goal is to reduce overdose deaths and related emergency department visits while building local infrastructure for response.

Work Details
The RFP seeks proposals from eligible organizations to implement evidence-based strategies targeting the opioid epidemic in Cumberland County. Key strategies include:
- Early intervention programs for youth struggling with drug use or mental health issues.
- Evidence-based addiction treatment for uninsured and underinsured individuals, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Support programs for individuals in treatment and recovery, including recovery support services, housing assistance, employment-related services, and reentry programs for incarcerated individuals.
- Criminal justice diversion programs aimed at connecting individuals involved with the justice system to necessary treatment and support services. Proposals must align with Option A strategies outlined in the MOA and can request funding up to $800,000.

Period of Performance
The contract will be executed over a four-year period as part of a multi-year pilot project approved by the Cumberland County Commissioners in November 2024.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed in Cumberland County, North Carolina.