HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is accepting grant applications for projects aimed at combating substance use and addiction, with more opioid settlement funding expected to support prevention, treatment and recovery efforts in 2027.
The Reno County/Hutchinson Fights Addiction Fund is seeking proposals from local organizations interested in developing new programs or expanding existing services to address substance use throughout the county.
Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 4:30 p.m.
According to Reno County officials, 910 overdoses have been recorded in the county since opioid settlement funds began being distributed in January 2024. While overdose numbers have steadily declined, officials say the figures demonstrate the continued need for addiction prevention and treatment resources.
Reno County and the City of Hutchinson have awarded more than $600,000 in opioid settlement funding to date, with additional payments expected over the next 18 years.
The funding comes from nationwide legal settlements involving opioid manufacturers and distributors, with money directed toward communities affected by the opioid crisis.
The Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Oversight Committee, organized by the Reno County Health Department, is responsible for reviewing applications and identifying projects that address local needs.
The committee includes representatives from community organizations and service providers who evaluate overdose data, establish priorities and identify strategies to reduce opioid misuse.
Officials are particularly interested in proposals that address the underlying causes of substance use, remove barriers to treatment, expand prevention programs and provide sustainable recovery resources.
Projects should also complement existing community initiatives while working to prevent prescription opioid misuse, illicit opioid use and overdose deaths.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status serving Reno County, special purpose units of government and community groups working with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format, including supporting documents and letters of support. The total email submission must be less than 15 megabytes.
Completed proposals should be emailed to candace.davidson@renocountyks.gov by the Nov. 25 deadline.
Following an initial review, finalists may be invited to participate in in-person interviews. Selected organizations will be required to complete grant agreements before receiving funding.
Application materials and eligibility requirements are available at renoks.gov/FightsAddictionGrant2027.
For additional information, contact Candace Davidson at 620-259-8463.