UNMC is sharing information about a new Request for Proposals (RFP) through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Faculty, centers and other UNMC groups are invited to partake in a significant funding opportunity by proposing new projects related to prevention programs and services specific to opioid use within the State of Nebraska.
Following the national opioid-related settlement agreements with pharmaceutical distributors in 2020, the state’s DHHS and Attorney General’s Office formed the Nebraska Opioid Settlement Remediation Advisory Committee. This group is tasked with establishing criteria to effectively use the settlement monies in the State’s Opioid Recovery Fund.
Chris Kratochvil, MD, interim vice chancellor for external relations, and Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, department of pediatrics vice chair of research and executive director of the Child Health Research Institute, both serve as coalition members on the committee.
The RFP seeks to fund proposals that showcase expertise and a proven track record in deploying prevention programs and services targeting opioid use, ideally those that would produce positive change in outcome measurements.
Dr. Anderson Berry said Nebraska’s Opioid Settlement Remediation Advisory Committee is focused on ensuring the settlement funds for the state make a positive impact on Nebraskans who have been devastated by this crisis.
“As the committee considers proposals for the first funding awards in prevention of opioid use, we need innovative ideas,” she said. “This is an opportunity for teams to work within the state using expertise to decrease the hold that the opioid epidemic has on our state and its citizens and aligns well with the strengths of UNMC faculty and staff.
“I would encourage anyone interested in developing a proposal to submit to the committee.”
Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative ideas within the following categories:
- Community Impact Priorities:
- Reducing opioid use among youth and adults
- Curtailing youth opioid initiation and access
- Limiting opioid prescriptions
- Prevention Programs:
- Media campaigns like the FDA’s “Real Cost” initiative
- Evidence-based school programs
- Provider education on best prescribing practices
- Harm Reduction Strategies:
- Naloxone distribution and training
- Syringe service programs
- Support for non-opioid pain treatment alternatives
Although direct research projects are not encouraged, a component of the project could involve research if it supports the development, implementation or evaluation of the programs and services proposed. See the full RFP for more information.
Budgets should be entered into ADIS internal forms and routed for signatures and include both direct and indirect costs (using the appropriate F&A rate based on the project type). No guidelines are provided regarding the period of performance or budget cap.
UNMC applicants must collaborate with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), adhering to the pre-award guidelines and giving your SPA specialist at least three days before submission to review. Proposals must be submitted by Nov. 24 and should be emailed to Karen Cole at this email address, which also is the contact for any questions.
This funding opportunity represents a chance for UNMC to lead impactful projects that could significantly improve the health and well-being of Nebraskans, reflecting our commitment to combating the opioid epidemic.