St. Petersburg Launches Opioid Support Grants Program

St. Petersburg, Florida, has approved the allocation of $1 million from an opioid settlement to support nonprofit organizations addressing the opioid crisis through treatment and recovery services. The funding aims to fill existing resource gaps in the community, with grants available for innovative proposals that target areas such as overdose prevention, harm reduction, and substance use education. Priority will be given to initiatives that include respite housing and peer support components. Matthew Schaefer, director of operations for Real Recovery Solutions, emphasized the growing need for accessible detox treatment, pointing out that many facilities require upfront payment or insurance and often have long wait times. Nonprofits can apply for grants until October 20, with the funding expected to facilitate significant improvements in addiction recovery pathways. The city will receive a total of $6 million from the settlement over 18 years to further support these initiatives.