Sens. Scott, Hassan introduce bill to streamline application process for federal addiction-related grant funding

Legislation would make it easier for organizations fighting the addiction crisis to get the grant funding they need for their critical work

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced legislation to make it easier for organizations on the front lines of the addiction crisis to apply for grantsto prevent substance use in the first place, provide addiction treatment, and help people navigate recovery. The Addiction Grants Modernization Act would simplify the process for organizations to find and apply for addiction-related federal grants by creating an interactive website to view and apply for these funding opportunities. Additionally, the bill would also establish a centralized application that can be used by organizations to apply for multiple addiction-related grants with similar goals.

"Addressing substance use disorders in communities across the country begins by supporting the organizations providing life-changing care," said Sen. Scott. "The Addiction Grants Modernization Act aims to simplify and streamline the grant application process for these organizations. By creating a unified application system that protects existing grant structures and funding levels, this legislation will reduce administrative and bureaucratic burdens so organizations can spend less time navigating paperwork and more time helping individuals."

"Local leaders and advocates across New Hampshire are working every day to help Granite Staters enter and stay in recovery - and thanks to their work, we're finally beginning to see a drop in overdose deaths in New Hampshire. We cannot let up in this fight, and that means making it easier for them to get the funding and resources that they need," said Sen. Hassan."This bipartisan bill will support the people on the frontlines of fighting this crisis so that they can focus less on red tape and more on their important work of saving lives."

Congress has established and funded a range of grant programs that support community-based organizations in their work to prevent substance use, provide treatment for those with addiction, and support people in recovery. However, currently, there is no centralized resource for organizations applying for funding to find all grants that they may be eligible for. Additionally, applicants must fill out separate applications for similar grants. The Addiction Grants Modernization Actwould simplify this process for organizations to find and apply for addiction response grants through a new website and centralized application for federal addiction-related grants.

"The Addiction Grants Modernization Act will help community-based organizations find the funding that best fits the work they do and reach the people who need their help the most. That way treatment providers spend their time on bringing people lifesaving care instead of doing paperwork," said Libby Jones, Associate Vice President, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Overdose Prevention Initiative.

"Community organizations fighting the addiction crisis shouldn't be buried in duplicative federal paperwork; they should be delivering services to those in need. BPC Action has long supported greater coordination across federal agencies, including aligning grant application processes to reduce barriers for organizations working to prevent substance use disorder, expand treatment, and support recovery. The Addiction Grants Modernization Act does exactly that. We applaud Senators Hassan (D-NH) and Scott (R-SC) for this commonsense, bipartisan solution," said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.