DDPHE Issues RFP for $7.5 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds

DDPHE Issues RFP for $7.5 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds

Published on July 15, 2026

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), in partnership with the Denver Opioid Abatement Council (DOAC), is seeking proposals for projects that reduce the harms of the opioid crisis and improve access to prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services across Denver.

For the 2027-2028 funding cycle, DOAC will invest $7.5 million in regional opioid settlement funds to support projects that address Denver's most pressing opioid-related needs. The council receives Denver's regional share of statewide Opioid Settlement Funds and is responsible for allocating these dollars to priorities identified by Denver communities.

Funding is available for projects that align with one of three priority areas:

• Coordinated Systems of Care: Strengthen care coordination, improve navigation across systems and increase real-time connections to services. (approximately $3.5 million)
• Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention: Expand evidence-based harm reduction services and improve access for marginalized populations. (approximately $2 million)
• Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): Reduce barriers to treatment and expand access to medications for opioid use disorder and wraparound support services. (approximately $2 million)

In addition, applicants are encouraged to develop projects that address the needs of one or both priority populations:

• Justice-Involved Population: Improve continuity of care and expand support services during incarceration and community reentry.
• Youth (Focused on Connection and Belonging): Increase access to culturally responsive prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services that strengthen connection and belonging while reducing substance use risk.

The funding priorities were developed through a multi-year strategic planning process that identified gaps in services, opportunities to strengthen coordination across systems and areas where investments can have the greatest impact on reducing opioid-related harms. These priorities are designed to reduce fragmentation across care settings, expand access to harm reduction services, increase availability of medications for opioid use disorder and address disparities affecting underserved communities. Collectively, these investments support DOAC's goals of reducing fatal and nonfatal overdoses, improving treatment engagement and ensuring people can access the services they need when they need them.

Awards of up to $2 million will be available for projects over a two-year funding period. Eligible organizations may submit one application per priority area. Applicants must primarily serve Denver residents and demonstrate the capacity to implement evidence-based or promising practices that align with the funding priorities.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available. Additional information, including application requirements, important deadlines and technical assistance opportunities, can be found on the DDPHE funding opportunities website. Proposals must be submitted through Submittable by August 10, 2026.

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