The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health announced the launch of the Health Equity Advancement Project, consisting of funding opportunities to address rising opioid overdose deaths among Black communities.

The division will award eight mini-grants, as well as the chance to partner in local messaging campaigns, to combat the stigma of substance use disorder and treatment.

“Overdose deaths among African American/Black Delawareans rose from 22% to 29% between 2021 and 2022,” division director Joanna Champney said. “We know that community-based organizations are the engines managing crises before people get to the hospital. That’s why it’s so critical for us to engage our community partners.”

The project focuses on understanding and addressing the needs of racial and ethnic minorities with opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder. Eight organizations will be awarded $50,000 grants, which have an implementation period from July 17 to Sept. 29.

Grants will concentrate on four areas: community needs assessment and health equity data analysis; implementation of culturally and linguistically appropriate standards; culturally specific stakeholder engagement strategies; and grassroots and community-based partnerships.

In addition to the funding, the division is seeking groups and leaders interested in conducting awareness initiatives and refining them to emphasize underserved populations.

The campaigns will focus on reducing stigma around substance use disorder and the use of medications for opioid use disorders; promoting awareness of and access to treatment and recovery services; preventing substance use disorder among youth and adults; promoting access to naloxone; and highlighting recovery stories.

The project will culminate in a Health Equity Summit in September, focusing on emerging strategies, successes and barriers between communities.

To learn more, to apply for a mini-grant or to become a HEAP partner, visit atrc.dhss.delaware.gov.