DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Mental Health & Substance Use Services
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Ratification Of Minnesota Department Of Human Services Grant To Provide Opioid Epidemic Response Services Grant Application
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. §256.042, establishes the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide effort to address the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic, including goals related to prevention and public health; and
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. §256.043, establishes the Opiate Epidemic Response Fund and authorizes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to award grants as directed by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, DHS, through its Behavioral Health Administration, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on July 13, 2026, to fund Opioid Epidemic Response Services, with proposals due August 10, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Request for Proposals (RFP) included Category C: Expansion and enhancement of a continuum of care for opioid-related substance use disorders (SUD), focus area 3: Increase access to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) providers and support staff, including care coordinators; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Social Services applied under Category C, Focus Area 3 to increase timely access to OUD assessment, treatment coordination, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and community based services for justice involved adults and adolescents and school based adolescents throughout Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated grant contract term is January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2030, and the State may extend the contract up to a total of five years; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s application requested $750,000 to support staffing two social workers, curriculum or other program materials, training, outreach, evaluation; and
WHEREAS, the ten percent indirect costs as allowed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby ratifies the application to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for the Opioid Epidemic Response Services grant.
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BACKGROUND
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) sought proposals for Opioid Epidemic Response Services as part of a multi-faceted strategy to reduce disparities related to opioid use disorder and move Minnesota toward the goal of zero opioid use disorder-related deaths.
The proposed project will support two social workers to provide comprehensive substance use disorder assessments, treatment coordination, pre-engagement, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) linkage, transition planning, transportation coordination, and facilitated coordination to community treatment and recovery supports. Priority populations include: people who are justice-involved, leaving custody, at elevated overdose risk, or experiencing barriers to timely care. This project will prioritize early identification and intervention for adolescents experiencing opioid related or other substance use concerns with the goal of reducing student suspension for drug related violations by connecting students to supportive alternatives, such as assessments and educational programs. By meeting individuals where they are at, this program is aimed at reducing disparities in access to opioid related assessment, treatment, MOUD, and recovery services. The final proposal identified the service model, target population, number served, and measurable outcomes.
The RFP was issued July 13, 2026 (Attachment: Opioid Grant RFP). The proposal was submitted through the Behavioral Health Administration’s online grant management system by the deadline of no later than 3:59 p.m. Central Time on August 10, 2026. The short timeframe between the RFP release and the application due date of August 10, 2026, did not allow for prior board approval of the application.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends ratification of the application to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for Opioid Epidemic Response Services in an amount of $750,000 for the anticipated grant period of January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2030.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
Grant funding would be used to sustain or expand current full-time equivalent staff and budget allowable indirect costs. If awarded, the grant amount will be included in the 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budget.
|
Budget Description |
2026 Budget |
2027 Recommend Budget |
|
Levy |
$994,942 |
$678,262 |
|
Opioid |
$389,066 |
$408,415 |
|
Billing Revenue |
$0 |
$113,731 |
|
Opioid Epidemic Response Grant |
$0 |
$277,042 |
|
Total |
$1,384,008 |
$1,477,450 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Opioid Grant RFP
CONTACT
Department Director: Emily Shug
Author: Ericka Hammer