Friday, March 14, 2025
3/14/2025
The Indiana First Responder - Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Program will: 1) provide resources through the Indiana Naloxone Distribution Program for the first responders in rural communities; 2) train and provide resources to rural first responders and other identified key community sectors on carrying and using naloxone; and 3) expand the Regional Recovery Hub project for referral to appropriate treatment in recovery communities, including 49 rural counties that represent 22.3% of Indiana's total population. These rural counties account for 18.1% of all opioid overdose deaths in Indiana. Various social determinants of health demonstrate the increasing need for support in these counties, with many rural counties experiencing higher rates than the Indiana average of the percent of population living in poverty, percent of the population without a high school diploma, and higher proportions of underserved populations. Higher rates of naloxone use are also seen in these rural counties according to EMS Registry reports. In 2020, 20% of naloxone uses that were reported through the EMS registry occurred in rural counties. Goal 1: The Naloxone Distribution Program for First Responders aims to expand capacity by distributing naloxone in rural areas to first responders through a grants process. Applications will be collected on a rolling basis through the online program RED Cap. Applicants will be required to report data through the IDOH and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) registry. IDOH will partner with Indiana University to include a postcard survey that must be returned after an overdose event. The measurable objectives include expanding naloxone distribution/use and increasing program capacity by promoting the program across multiple platforms. Goal 2: The IDOH train first responder agencies on naloxone administration, stigma, Indiana naloxone legislation, and the risks of illicit/prescription opioids. The measurable objectives include the number of naloxone trainings to first responders and attitudes behaviors around naloxone through the pre/post questionnaire. The IDOH plans to train 800 unduplicated first responders over the entire four years of the grant. Goal 3: The Regional Recovery Hub project will focus on expanding current referral to appropriate treatment programs in recovery communities in the identified catchment area. These expansion efforts also include, but are not limited to, receiving referrals from community partners as well as making referrals to community supports sand services, increasing connections and partnerships with community corrections county jails, substance use and/or mental health treatment providers, opioid treatment providers, and obtaining and distributing naloxone. The measurable objectives include the number of referrals and expansion projects successfully completed, and the number of responses to requests for services.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).