The opioid epidemic got worse during the pandemic. A $3.15 billion program addresses the addiction crisis.

More than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses from April 2020 to April 2021 according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control.  Most of the deaths, nearly 75%, were the result of opioids. To address this crisis, the Department of Health and Human Services is providing a total of $3.15 billion to states for prevention and treatment services.  States then distribute funding to local groups, such as community- and faith-based organizations that deliver treatment, recovery, and prevention services. 

The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant helps provide a range of services including:

• Community-based prevention programs
• Treatment for intravenous drug abuse 
• Expanded access to treatment for pregnant women and women with dependent children. 

The maps below detail the total amount of funding received by each state for fighting substance abuse (left) and the number of overdose deaths per 100K residents in the state for April 2020 - April 2021.               

For more information on the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

To find all the data on the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program, visit the All Pandemic Awards dashboard and enter 93.243 into the Assistance Listing search field.  

Read the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General's report on the Opioid Use in Medicare Part D.