Berks County Opioid Settlement Funds – Click here to learn more or apply
The Berks Opioid Settlement funds are in place to address detrimental effects of the opioid/overdose crisis in Berks County and to help protect the community from such negative effects in the future. These funds will be used to provide services related to Opioid Use Disorders (OUD) and any co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and Mental Health (MH) conditions to all communities and residents in Berks County with respect, dignity and equity while supporting culturally appropriate services and programs.
The Berks Opioid Settlement funds will be used to address gaps in services, while also maintaining and enhancing established programs and activities. This includes supporting additional services that compliment and/or enhance existing programs while avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort. The funds will also be used to provide sustainability for proven and effective services for expiring grant programs. All such funds must be used in accordance with Exhibit E of the National Opioid Settlement.
The Council on Chemical Abuse is open to requests from interested community organizations and/or members for grants to provide services in accordance with the National Opioid Settlement. Services must be offered in Berks County and/or provided to Berks County residents. Funding requests must offer or provide services in any of the areas as outlined below:
Interested parties seeking Berks Opioid Settlement funds must first submit a concept paper outlining the proposed service. Concept papers are not to exceed four (4) pages and must address the following:
Concept papers must be emailed to OpioidSettlement@cocaberks.org.
COCA shall review and respond to all concept papers submitted. If COCA is interested in potentially contracting for the service, the interested party will be requested to submit a more comprehensive and detailed proposal and budget.
All questions regarding this process should be emailed to OpioidSettlement@cocaberks.org.
Funding period: 1/1/23 – 12/31/23
Amount funded: $300,000
Project description: This program is designed to initiate and stabilize inmates at Berks County Jail System with the opioid antagonist Vivitrol prior to being released to the community. Vivitrol helps to block the effects of opioids and is a significant aid. This program was started under a grant from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Funding period: 9/1/22-6/30/23
Amount funded: $180,000
Project description:This funding will pay for individuals in need of withdrawal management and/or residential treatment services.
Funding period: 4/1/23-6/30/23
Amount funded: $4,125
Project description: A service designed to assist individuals living in Berks County with opioid use disorders and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions who are receiving recovery and other related services. Specifically targeted are those people who do not have access to other types of transportation such as bus service, sufficient rides from family or friends, or their own car. Danny’s Ride is intended to be the ‘last resort’ for transportation in order to maximize the impact of available funding for the program.
Funding period: 3/1/23-6/30/23
Amount funded: $53,381
Project description: A workforce development program developed and operated by Berks Connections Pretrial Services (BCPS). This program helps those in recovery from opioid use disorders and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions to become reliable and successful employees and helps address issues of unemployment and the underemployment.
For questions or concerns please contact OpioidSettlement@cocaberks.org.