The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness (BHIW), has consistently offered the Integrated Harm Reduction (IHR) program to enhance and expand community-based harm reduction services across the state. The program aims to support initiatives such as overdose education, naloxone distribution, syringe service programs (SSPs), and other related services to mitigate the adverse effects of substance use.
In the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023, ODH released the IH23 and IH24 Integrated Harm Reduction solicitations, providing guidance for completing online applications for the competitive program period. Subsequently, for SFY 2025, the IH25 Integrated Harm Reduction solicitation was announced, with applications due by February 3, 2025, and the project period spanning from April 1, 2025, to September 29, 2025.
The primary objective of the IHR program is to strengthen and expand community-based programs focused on overdose education, naloxone distribution, SSPs, and other harm reduction initiatives. Naloxone plays a critical role in harm reduction by effectively reversing overdoses caused by opioids, including prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl. Ensuring widespread access to naloxone is essential in combating the opioid crisis.
Eligible applicants for the IHR program typically include a wide array of organizations such as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) or other relevant sections of the Internal Revenue Service Code, private for-profit organizations offering services that meet the charitable purpose of the Foundation, and any form of state or local government. Applicants are required to demonstrate relevant experience, capacity, and qualifications to achieve the program's stated goals. Additionally, a clear and feasible plan for achieving objectives, including strategies and expected outcomes, is necessary.
