Maryland counties may be eligible for up to $10,000 in state grant funding to support paramedic training on buprenorphine administration, as state and local officials continue to expand overdose response and treatment efforts statewide.

The funding opportunity, offered through Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR), is part of the state’s ongoing strategy to strengthen local overdose response systems and improve access to treatment for opioid use disorder.

For counties, the grant represents another example of how behavioral health, public health, and emergency response systems are increasingly intersecting at the local level. EMS personnel are often among the first points of contact during an overdose or substance use crisis, and training initiatives like this aim to better connect emergency response with pathways into treatment and recovery.

According to MOOR, funds can be used to support training paramedics in buprenorphine administration. Buprenorphine is a medication commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder and is considered an important tool in reducing overdose risk and supporting recovery outcomes.

The funding opportunity comes as Maryland continues responding to evolving overdose trends and emerging substances in the drug supply. Earlier this year, the Maryland Department of Health issued a public health advisory regarding medetomidine, a veterinary sedative increasingly identified in Maryland drug checking samples statewide.

Counties remain central partners in Maryland’s overdose response efforts through EMS systems, local health departments, behavioral health services, detention and reentry programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Applications and additional grant information are available through Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response at: Maryland Office of Overdose Response Grants Page

Previous MACo Coverage:

Counties Encouraged to Apply for Buprenorphine Training Grant