UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – The Oneida County Department of Mental Health — along with Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente – announced that they are seeking proposals to help with the opioid crisis in the county.

The county will be awarding $1 million in grants to projects that address prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid addiction as well as the general misuse of opioids. There is no cap on the amount of funds an organization can request, nor a set limit on the number of proposals an organization can submit for consideration. There will be a maximum of two successful awards per organization and a preferred maximum amount of $300,000 per proposal.

“Oneida County is on the forefront of battling the opioid crisis,” Picente said in a statement. “We continue to be a nationwide model by taking a holistic approach that attacks the issue from all points, including prevention, treatment, recovery and law enforcement. This request for proposals will strengthen our position and provide more support to those stricken with addiction and their loved ones.”

Applicants can submit proposals that address areas such as treating opioid use disorder, preventing the misuse of opioids, and first responder collaboration.

“We would like to thank NYS OASAS for this opportunity to provide further addiction services within our community,” Oneida County Commissioner of Mental Health Ashlee Thompson said in a statement. “We recognize the incredible efforts of people, providers and programs working tirelessly to reduce stigma and overdose rates within our county. The Department of Mental Health is eager to receive the innovative idea that our community creates in response to this RFP.” 

The deadline to submit proposals is at 4 pm on Thursday, November 30. A hard copy of the proposal should be mailed to the Oneida County Department of Mental Health at the following address:

800 Park Avenue

9th Floor

Utica NY 13501

Attn: Ashlee Thompson

All eligible organizations should also submit an electronic copy of their proposals to the office’s e-mail, mentalhealth@ocgov.net.  

For more information on the request for proposals, you are encouraged to access the request on Oneida County’s website, at ocgov.net.