Opioid Settlement Funds

The Johnston County Public Health Department in North Carolina has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds, aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid crisis through targeted, community-based initiatives. North Carolina is set to receive a portion of $56 billion in national opioid settlements, with Johnston County allocated $15,103,500 over an 18-year span. The county's initiative is grounded in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the state and local governments, which governs how these funds are distributed and utilized. This RFP aligns with Option A of the MOA, which permits funding for evidence-based, high-impact strategies. The county approved the utilization of $450,000 for multi-year pilot projects and has proposed an additional $200,000 in its 2026 budget to further support this effort beginning July 1, 2026. The purpose of this grant opportunity is to fund projects that address the opioid epidemic through employment-related services and reentry programs, categorized respectively as Strategy 5 and Strategy 12 in the MOA. Employment-related services may include job training, resume support, interview coaching, transportation assistance, and relevant educational opportunities for individuals in treatment, recovery, or active substance use. Reentry programs are designed to support incarcerated individuals by connecting them to addiction treatment, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, and recovery resources as they transition out of jail or prison. This RFP seeks proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations, hospital systems, private behavioral and mental health providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other community-based organizations. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a collaborative proposal, with one organization assuming fiscal and contractual responsibility. Applicants must demonstrate experience working with individuals impacted by opioid use disorder, commit to evidence-based strategies, and serve Johnston County residents exclusively. The maximum allowable funding request is $200,000 for a two-year project period. Projects may span one or two years and must not include indirect costs, per North Carolina MOA rules. Proposals must be submitted by April 2, 2026, no later than 3:00 PM EST, in both physical and electronic formats. A notice of intent to apply must be submitted by March 6, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to attend one of two scheduled informational sessions on March 13 or March 18, 2026. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing by March 11, 2026. Proposals must follow detailed formatting and submission requirements, including completing all required attachments, adhering to content and structure guidelines, and including authorized signatures. Evaluation of proposals will be based on several criteria, including the quality and clarity of the project description, population served, use of evidence-based practices, impact, and evaluation methods. Reviewers will also consider the organizational capacity, experience, and alignment of the proposal with the county’s goals of reducing overdose deaths and improving equitable access to treatment and recovery resources. Letters of commitment from key partners are required, and funded organizations must participate in quarterly meetings and reporting activities as outlined in the RFP. Overall, this funding opportunity presents a significant chance for organizations committed to opioid response and recovery to implement structured, impactful programs in Johnston County. The dual focus on employment-related support and reentry services reflects the county’s strategic priority to address both the health and social factors driving the opioid epidemic. Projects funded under this RFP are expected to produce measurable results in reducing overdoses and improving recovery outcomes, with stringent reporting and performance tracking requirements to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

Use SMART objectives; use evidence-based practices; align outcomes to county opioid response goals.