Maricopa County has allocated $4.3 million to support 17 local projects aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. The funds come from settlement money and will help expand support for individuals struggling with substance use. Chairman Thomas Galvin of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors emphasized, "The opioid and polysubstance use crisis continues to impact families across Maricopa County, and these funds allow us to take meaningful action." He added, "By providing more resources to organizations who are on the front lines of this battle, we are building a stronger, more coordinated response to help those affected," according to the Maricopa County.
The funding is part of the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement and will support prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and care coordination. Starting April 1, newly funded projects and existing programs will expand services, with contracts renewable annually for up to four years, subject to Board of Supervisors approval. The funding aligns with the Substance Use Prevention & Response Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028, focusing on evidence-based and culturally appropriate solutions, as reported by the Maricopa County.
A Request for Proposals is due in April 2025 for organizations to apply for funding to expand substance use toolkits and offer technical assistance to businesses in the county. Applicants can sign up online for help in developing policies on substance misuse in the workplace. The Maricopa County’s website provides details on each organization’s project and the funding amount. Projects include workforce development, naloxone access, and outreach in high-need communities. Maricopa County and other cities and towns in the county have also received opioid settlement funds for similar efforts.
