Counties have an opportunity to strengthen their emergency response to the opioid crisis. The Maryland Office of Overdose Response has extended the deadline for its Buprenorphine Training Grant Program, which supports local efforts to train paramedics in administering this critical medication.
Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) has extended its deadline to November 7 for the Office’s new Buprenorphine Training Grant Program. The Program helps counties expand emergency response capacity in the fight against opioid overdoses.
During the 2025 legislative session, MACo supported House Bill 1131, which establishes a program to provide competitive funding to cover the costs of training paramedics in buprenorphine administration. This training provides a key tool in treating opioid withdrawal and connecting individuals to ongoing care.
Counties, Local Health Departments, and public safety employees serve as the front-line responders to the opioid epidemic, using settlement funds to expand public health and safety interventions. Programs like Frederick County’s Community Outreach And Support Team (COAST) have demonstrated the profound impact of such interventions. The COAST team includes community paramedics and peer recovery specialists who provide medical care and emotional support. COAST not only provides free initial doses of buprenorphine but also helps patients transition into long-term treatment, addressing both immediate and systemic needs.
Counties may apply for up to $5,000 per jurisdiction, with a total of $50,000 available statewide for fiscal 2026. Joint applications from multiple local governments are permitted, and applicants must have approval from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for the buprenorphine optional protocol.
Funds must be used exclusively for training purposes and spent by June 30, 2026. Applications are due by noon on Friday, November 7, 2025.
