Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS)

The Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration is requesting applications for the Advancing Cross-Cutting Engagement and Service Strategies for People Who Use Drugs (ACCESS) grant program, with applications due January 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). Questions were due January 15, 2026. A pre-application webinar was held January 5, 2026.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations classified as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), local or state government agencies, public colleges, or state universities. All applicants must hold active Overdose Response Program (ORP) authorization from MDH. Current ACCESS grantees face capped percentage increases on prior awards: 30% for state-authorized Opioid-Associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Program (OADPOP) operators, 15% for non-OADPOP grantees.

Applicants must provide state-authorized ORP services including opioid overdose education, naloxone dispensing, and drug testing strip distribution, plus at least three of twelve specified core activities such as peer support services, infectious disease testing, wound care, medications for opioid use disorder linkages, and outreach to overdose survivors. Services must comply with federal SAMHSA and CDC guidance restricting funding for activities that primarily facilitate illegal drug use; permitted activities focus on reducing fatal overdose risk, addressing co-morbid conditions, and linking individuals to treatment and recovery services.

Applicant-specific annual funding limits are calculated through a formula incorporating jurisdiction-level substance use vulnerability measures, OADPOP operation status, years of service, fixed-site locations, and Rapid Analysis of Drugs program participation. Private nonprofit organizations are subject to indirect cost rate allowances of either their federally approved rate or the higher of the federal de minimis rate or 15% of eligible direct costs, with fringe costs capped at 37.81% of salary. State and local government employees' fringe rates are calculated per applicable agency budget guidelines.

The initial project period runs July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with optional extensions contingent on funding availability, demonstrated progress, compliance with award conditions, and approved continuation applications. Awards are funded through SAMHSA State Opioid Response grants, CDC Overdose Data to Action in States cooperative agreements, and state general funds. Award types vary by grantee classification: Standard Grant Agreements for private nonprofits, UFD awards for local health departments, University Interagency Agreements for public colleges/universities, and Memoranda of Understanding for other government agencies.

Applications must be submitted in two separate volumes—Technical Application and Budget Narrative—to ensure financial information is not reviewed with technical proposals. An addendum issued January 12, 2026, revised fringe benefit calculations and IRS documentation requirements.