Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS)

The Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) for the Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program. The program aims to fund services and activities that align with the goals and objectives of the grant program, which includes providing education and training, care coordination, case management, and other allowable activities. The grant program will support local organizations in improving their competency in serving people who use drugs. Applicants must submit complete applications, including a technical proposal, budget narrative, and other required documents. The evaluation criteria will be based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate progress toward successfully implementing the project, maintaining compliance with ACCESS Conditions of Award, and submitting an approved non-competing continuation application. Some key points to note: * The grant program will support a range of activities, including education and training, care coordination, case management, and other allowable activities. * Applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide services that align with the goals and objectives of the grant program. * The evaluation criteria will be based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate progress toward successfully implementing the project, maintaining compliance with ACCESS Conditions of Award, and submitting an approved non-competing continuation application. * The grant program will provide funding for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. * Applicants must submit their applications through the eMMA portal, and all questions must be submitted through the same portal. * The deadline for submitting applications is January 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST. * The grant program is open to local government agencies, public colleges, and state universities, as well as private nonprofit organizations that meet the eligibility criteria. * The grant program will provide funding for a range of activities, including education and training, care coordination, case management, and other allowable activities. * Applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide services that align with the goals and objectives of the grant program. * The evaluation criteria will be based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate progress toward successfully implementing the project, maintaining compliance with ACCESS Conditions of Award, and submitting an approved non-competing continuation application. * The grant program will provide funding for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. * Applicants must submit their applications through the eMMA portal, and all questions must be submitted through the same portal. * The deadline for submitting applications is January 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST. * The grant program is open to local government agencies, public colleges, and state universities, as well as private nonprofit organizations that meet the eligibility criteria. Some key activities and services that will be supported by the grant program include: * Education and training for local organizations to improve their competency in serving people who use drugs * Care coordination and case management services to improve recovery outcomes * Distribution of supplies, such as naloxone and drug testing strips, to reduce infectious disease transmission * Provision of temporary housing support and other allowable activities * Referral to substance-related treatment and other recovery support services * Provision of wound care and other medical services * Partnership with other organizations to provide services and supplies on site or refer clients to other providers