First Responders Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

The First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA), issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the funding opportunity number TI-25-001, provides financial assistance to train first responders and community members in the administration and distribution of opioid overdose reversal medications (OORM). The program seeks to mitigate the national opioid crisis through evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. Emphasis is placed on addressing the needs of rural and tribal communities, which often face structural limitations in accessing behavioral health services, prevention programs, and recovery resources. The authorizing statute for this program is Section 546 of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 290ee-1), targeting overdose prevention and post-overdose support systems. FR-CARA is designed to enhance the capabilities of first responders such as paramedics, EMTs, mobile crisis teams, firefighters, and law enforcement. In addition to direct service delivery, applicants must implement organizational policies aligned with trauma-informed care and ensure mechanisms for warm hand-off referrals to treatment and support services. Required activities also include training on OORM administration, Good Samaritan laws, overdose prevention strategies, and community engagement through partnerships with at least two community anchors. Awardees must conduct community resource mapping and create or engage with steering committees reflective of their target population. The program offers an estimated total of $10 million in funding for FY 2025, with at least $5.5 million reserved for rural organizations and at least two awards guaranteed for tribal organizations. Each award ranges from $300,000 to $800,000 annually, and project periods can last up to four years. Funds can be used for OORM distribution, peer support, outreach services, and temporary use of low-threshold medication such as buprenorphine (with necessary documentation). The program also allows investment in training-of-trainer models and infrastructure development through allowable depreciation methods. Capital expenditures such as software must follow the de minimis or negotiated indirect cost rate. Applicants must submit a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and several attachments including letters of commitment, a project timeline, and proof of indirect cost rate if applicable. Key personnel must be designated, with the Project Director bearing primary oversight responsibilities. Data collection is mandatory through SAMHSA’s SPARS system, and recipients must report performance metrics such as the number of naloxone kits distributed and individuals referred to treatment. Local evaluations are required, and SAMHSA may also mandate participation in a cross-site evaluation. Eligible applicants include state governments, local government entities, and federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations. Organizations may submit more than one application if each targets a different population or geographic area. A maximum of two awards per organization is allowed. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. The application deadline is July 22, 2025, with awards expected by September 29, 2025, and projects commencing on September 30, 2025. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Questions about program content should be directed to the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at DTPNOFO@samhsa.hhs.gov or 240-276-2905. Budget-related inquiries can be sent to NOFOBudget.CSAT@samhsa.hhs.gov or 240-276-1400. This opportunity is subject to Executive Order 12372, although this requirement does not apply to tribes and tribal organizations.

Align with Executive Orders, focus on trauma-informed care, ensure strong data collection capacity, submit all attachments correctly.