City of Palm Bay Announces Grant Opportunity for Opioid Settlement Proceeds

PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23, 2024): The City of Palm Bay has released the Request for Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. This initiative follows a historic settlement between the State of Florida and major opioid manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers, which will bring over $3 billion to Florida over the next eighteen years.

At the July 1, 2021, Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council adopted Resolution 2021-33 which recognized the harmful effects of the opioid epidemic suffered by the City. The City of Palm Bay joined the State of Florida, counties, and other cities in addressing the opioid crisis through the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Resolution 2021-33 proposed a unified plan for the allocation and use of prospective settlement dollars from opioid-related litigation, and the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Florida setting the framework of the unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.

In December 2023, the City received its first round of funds from the National Opioid Settlement, totaling $275,619.36. This amount includes $86,397.57 for Fiscal Year 2023 and $189,221.79 for Fiscal Year 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, a maximum of 5% ($13,780.97) may be allocated for administrative costs, leaving a balance of $261,838.39 available for grant awards.

At the July 18 Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council authorized the publication of the Request for Applications. The OSPG will support projects and initiatives that align with the three categories outlined in the Florida Opioid Allocation and Statewide Response Agreement: Treatment, Prevention, and Other Strategies. Core strategies must comply with evidence-based best practices as specified in the agreement.

Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant are now open. Interested parties are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications and submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided. The City of Palm Bay has released Addendum 1 to the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) RFA. The in-person workshop has been postponed to Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10 am. We have extended the date for the Mandatory Technical Assistance Workshop Registration for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant. 

Agencies interested in applying must complete the registration form by Thursday, August 29, 2024, by 12 noon. The form located here www.pbfl.org/opioid

The workshop will be recorded and posted here www.pbfl.org/opioid for agencies not able to attend. A self-certification form, certifying the agency watched the workshop will need to be completed and submitted with the application, on September 13, 2024.”