The northern ohio recovery association's proposed project will: expanding access to mobile SUD/COD treatment services in high-need ZIP codes via mobile services - project name: expanding access to…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the Northern Ohio Recovery Association $1.5 million on September 30, 2025, under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.243) to expand mobile substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment services in high-need areas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

NORA will expand mobile unit operations from 5 to 7 days per week to increase screening, assessment, and treatment capacity in five high-risk ZIP codes (44127, 44109, 44102, 44135, and 44111) where unintentional overdose deaths, emergency department visits for suspected overdoses, and naloxone administrations are concentrated. The project targets adults aged 18 and older, with 70 percent facing financial and housing insecurity and over half reporting poly-substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Interventions include integrating the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model, developing a centralized referral system with rapid scheduling protocols to reduce wait times by 40 percent, and deploying peer recovery support services providing in-home visits and follow-ups for at least 90 days post-initial assessment. The project runs through September 29, 2028, with place of performance in Cleveland, Ohio. NORA is a minority-owned, woman-owned nonprofit registered in SAM.gov since 2006 that provides substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services throughout Cuyahoga County.

The northern ohio recovery association's proposed project will: expanding access to mobile SUD/COD treatment services in high-need ZIP codes via mobile services - project name: expanding access to mobile SUD/COD treatment services in high-need ZIP codes via mobile services nora's project will target adult men and women aged 18+ residing in cuyahoga county, ohio, a county area of 457.2 square miles, with a particular emphasis on individuals living in five high-risk ZIP codes: 44127, 44109, 44102, 44135, and 44111. These areas have the highest concentrations of unintentional overdose deaths, emergency department visits for suspected overdoses, and naloxone administrations. The target population is low-income - 70% will face financial and housing insecurity - and over half (>50%) are poly-substance users, and over half (>50%) will have a CO-occurring mental health disorder. Strategies and interventions 1. Mobile unit expansion: increase mobile unit operations from 5 days to 7 days per week to allow more time to focus on screening, assessment, and treatment services to high need ZIP codes and underserved communities; 2. Evidence-based practices: integrating screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) model to optimize the mobile unit's productivity and screen more individuals; 3. Reduce wait times: reducing wait times by developing a centralized referral system, adopting rapid scheduling protocols and forming new partnerships 4. Peer recovery support services: utilize prss to provide ongoing support, in-home visits, and follow-UPS for at least 90 days post-initial assessment. Project goals goal 1: expand access to SUD/COD treatment services and reduce overdose deaths, prioritizing high-need ZIP codes, by expanding and optimizing the mobile unit's service hours. Goal 2: reduce wait times for SUD/COD treatment by 40% through strategic partnerships, a centralized referral system, and rapid appointment scheduling. Goal 3: reduce substance use frequency by 40% and decrease drug overdoses, including overdose deaths, by 20% among individuals engaged with the mobile unit through expanded services measurable objectives 1. Expanded service: expand service hours to 7 days per week, with a focus on high-needs ZIP codes 3 times per week 2. Client engagement: screen and assess 1,500 unique individuals (500 per year) 3. Overdose death reduction: achieve a 20% reduction in drug overdose deaths by the end of the project, as measured by comparative analysis of coroner reports and emergency room data. 4. Rapid treatment access: ensure that at least 80% of individuals assessed for SUD/COD are connected to appropriate treatment services via a rapid referral protocol with the mobile unit. 5. Follow-up support: provide follow-up support, including in-home visits, for at least 60% of individuals within two weeks of initial contact, scaling up to 80% by the end of the project period. 6. Substance use reduction: achieve a 70% rate of reduced substance use or abstinence among individuals engaged in treatment within six months of their initial assessment.