Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Impact

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)–Impact, managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is part of a strategic federal initiative to combat substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), in rural areas of the United States. As an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA plays a pivotal role in expanding access to quality health services for underserved populations. Through this grant program, HRSA seeks to fund local efforts aimed at transforming rural health systems into integrated networks capable of addressing the full continuum of SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The RCORP–Impact initiative is designed to support rural communities in implementing evidence-based interventions that reduce morbidity and mortality related to substance misuse. While the core focus is on opioid misuse, HRSA acknowledges the high co-occurrence of other substance use disorders, including alcohol. Therefore, the program adopts a comprehensive approach that supports services targeting all forms of SUD within a broader mental, behavioral, and social health framework. The funding encourages cross-sector collaboration and aims to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce to meet these needs effectively. Applicants are encouraged to propose new or expanded SUD services that emphasize sustainability and long-term impact. Funded activities may include expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, creating recovery support services, integrating behavioral and primary healthcare services, and establishing community-based partnerships that coordinate health and social support systems. Additionally, the program supports the development of rural community networks that bring together healthcare providers, law enforcement, education sectors, and other local stakeholders to enhance the overall service delivery infrastructure. The program is open to a wide range of applicants including state and local governments, tribal entities (both federally recognized and other Native American organizations), nonprofit and for-profit organizations, independent school districts, public housing authorities, higher education institutions, and small businesses. Eligibility is inclusive of both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofit entities, with a geographic scope limited to domestic applicants within the United States and affiliated territories. No cost sharing or matching funds are required under this grant opportunity. Applicants should prepare for a competitive process that involves the electronic submission of applications via Grants.gov. While no pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent are required, applicants must ensure full compliance with submission deadlines and required documentation. Applications are due by May 18, 2026, and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The estimated posting date for the funding opportunity is March 18, 2026, with anticipated award announcements on August 1, 2026, and project start dates beginning September 1, 2026. For further details, interested applicants can consult HRSA’s official RCORP-Impact program page at https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/opioid-response. Direct inquiries can be directed to Lynlee Tanner Stapleton at 301-443-5764 or via email at [email protected]. With an estimated total program funding of $60 million and approximately 80 awards expected, the RCORP-Impact program represents a significant federal investment in reducing the burden of substance misuse in rural America through comprehensive, coordinated care.