The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, is offering continuation funding for the Regional Prevention and Linkages to Care Collaborative RL26 program, covering the period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. This initiative is supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action in States (OD2A-S) funding. The program is aimed at reducing drug overdose-related morbidity and mortality through a regional model that integrates public health strategies with community-based and public safety partnerships. The RL26 Collaborative builds on prior efforts under the RL25 grant and targets underserved populations disproportionately impacted by substance use disorders.
The grant is deliverables-based, with up to $1,750,000 in total funding and a maximum of $350,000 per recipient. An optional $5,000 supplemental funding opportunity is available for activities specifically addressing health disparities. Four local health departments are expected to be funded. Eligible applicants are current RL25 subrecipients that meet specific administrative criteria, including no outstanding debts to ODH and submission of all required materials by the deadline. Applications must be submitted electronically via GMIS by 4:00 p.m. on May 5, 2025. Required application components include a program narrative, budget justification, work plan, and documentation of past performance and partnerships.
Funded activities include developing and maintaining Standard Operating Guides, implementing education campaigns (such as the OH Against OD initiative), supporting health navigators, participating in state initiatives, and improving public health and safety collaboration. Objectives also require cross-training of personnel, attending collaborative calls, expanding naloxone distribution programs, and supporting marginalized populations through targeted interventions. Unallowable costs are clearly outlined and include political activities, lobbying, certain equipment, and specific harm reduction expenses not aligned with the CDC’s OD2A-S funding stipulations.
Evaluation will be based on a scoring rubric assessing the quality and relevance of the narrative, work plan, and budget. Applicants must score at least 70 percent (94.5 points out of 135 for the primary application and 49 out of 70 for the supplemental) to be considered. Ongoing reporting through GMIS is mandatory, including quarterly and monthly program and expenditure reports. Final expenditure reports must be submitted by October 5, 2026. Site visits, regular collaborative calls, and compliance with OGAPP standards are required. Contact for this funding opportunity is Emily Ganz, reachable at Emily.Ganz@odh.ohio.gov or (614) 752-7447.
