Opioid Response Grant Program

Baker County, Oregon, has launched the Opioid Response Grant Program to address the county’s ongoing public health challenges stemming from opioid misuse. The program is funded through the Oregon Opioid Settlement Funds and is administered by the Baker County Board of Commissioners. These settlement funds have been allocated to support local initiatives aimed at preventing substance abuse, facilitating recovery, and implementing harm reduction strategies across the region. The program began on October 1, 2025, and its framework will remain active for five years unless amended or terminated earlier by the County Board. The program offers two primary funding streams: a designated $175,000 annual allocation to fund a Community Service Deputy position within the Sheriff's Office and a separate competitive grant opportunity of up to $25,000 per applicant per year for public agencies and nonprofits. The purpose of this funding is to enable local organizations to implement initiatives that align with Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Framework, supporting efforts such as medication-assisted treatment, naloxone distribution, drug take-back programs, and peer recovery services. Eligible activities must be evidence-based or promising practices designed to mitigate the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, recovery, and community safety. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities that either operate in or primarily serve Baker County. These include local government entities, Federally Qualified Health Centers, behavioral health providers, nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or equivalent), tribal governments, school districts, education service providers, and recovery community organizations. Applicants must submit detailed project proposals outlining the issue being addressed, the target population, organizational capacity, goals, sustainability strategies, and measurable outcomes. Applications for the first funding cycle were due by November 30, 2025. In subsequent years, the application deadline will be March 31 to align with the county’s budget planning. The program is competitive and reviewed by a three-person panel consisting of a County Commissioner, a representative from the Baker County Health Department, and a community member. Review criteria include the applicant’s alignment with opioid abatement strategies, feasibility and sustainability of the proposal, capacity, equity impact, and measurable outcomes. Grants may be awarded for multiple years based on demonstrated long-term impact and continued eligibility. Awardees are required to provide quarterly progress reports, annual financial reports, and outcome evaluations tied to predefined performance measures. Compliance is further monitored through potential site visits or audits. In addition, the Baker County Board of Commissioners will publish annual public reports summarizing the use and impact of the grant funds. These layers of accountability ensure transparency and allow the program to make data-driven improvements to future cycles. For additional information, applications, and submissions, interested organizations should contact Shem Carlson, Executive Assistant at the Baker County Courthouse, or email [email protected]. Applications are submitted via mail or email and must include supporting documentation such as a project budget, IRS determination letter (for nonprofits), recent audit or financial statements, and optional letters of support. This comprehensive approach reflects Baker County’s commitment to responsible stewardship of settlement funds and its dedication to community wellness.