Opioids in Allegheny County: Strategies for Funders

A group of foundation staff has come together in recent months to understand how they can more effectively respond to the opioid crisis in Allegheny County. The group has agreed to continue meeting to develop a coordinated approach to this issue. As part of that process, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania wants to collect information on whether foundations are already making grants, or if they are interested in becoming active, in certain areas. These areas were identified through a series of interviews with stakeholders. Please complete this brief survey about opioid-related grant making. The information will be shared at the group’s next meeting in November.

Question Title

* 1. Communications: For example, campaigns to reframe addiction as medical problem like diabetes to reduce stigma.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 2. Direct Service: For example; add treatment beds, promote medication-assisted treatment (MAT), more innovative facilities like engagement center or "pop up" service provisions.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 3. First Responders: For example, expand Post Overdose Response Team (CONNECT Program) or help responders with burnout.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 4. Harm Reduction: For example; expand availability of Naloxone (average dose now costs approx. $75), provide more sterile needles to Prevention Point

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 5. Leadership: For example; convene system, including all key stakeholders; engage families and people who use drugs to design solutions; support prevention programs that address the reality of drug use.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 6. Policy (healthcare): For example; easier access to legal documents (like SSN, license) to facilitate entry into treatment and accessing treatment, including relaxing privacy guidelines; allow opioid addiction diagnosis to qualify for medical marijuana.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 7. Policy (health insurance): For example; work with insurance companies to address reimbursements, work with employers to improve coverage for treatment.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 8. Policy (law enforcement): For example; eliminate cash bond, clarify policies of police and pharmacies related to possession of sterile syringes, start Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs, legalization or decriminalization of drugs.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 9. Policy (other): For example, do not seize drivers' licenses for drug offenses, allow "bread and butter" driver's license.

My foundation is currently funding this way.

My foundation would consider these funding approaches.

If your foundation is currently funding this way, please provide a list of grants. Please indicate the grantee, the amount and length of the grant, and a brief description of the work.

Question Title

* 10. Please provide information on any other opioid-related grants that do not fit in the previous questions.