RCORP Authorization Act

More help for rural substance use

If enacted, this bill would create the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program at HRSA. The program would fund grants and cooperative agreements to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use and related behavioral health in rural areas. Grants could last up to 5 years and may be fully funded when awarded. Eligible applicants would include States, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, State offices of rural health, and other domestic entities. Grant funds could pay for planning, evidence-based service models, technical assistance, evaluation, and responses to new public health issues. Grant funds could not be used to buy or improve real property. The Secretary would define which areas are rural and applications must describe how the local rural population will be involved. The bill would authorize $165 million each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.