S. 5207: RCORP Authorization Act

This bill would permanently continue the

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program

within the Public Health Service Act. The program is run by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and it is aimed at helping rural areas deal with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, along with related behavioral health problems and other public health issues.

What the program would do

The bill would allow the federal government to keep awarding grants or cooperative agreements to eligible organizations to support prevention, treatment, and recovery services in rural communities.

Money from the program could be used for:

• Planning and building stronger networks among health care, public health, and other local partners
• Improving coordination of services related to substance use disorder
• Finding and using evidence-based, sustainable ways to deliver prevention, treatment, and recovery services directly
• Responding to new or emerging public health issues involving substance use disorder
• Providing technical assistance or evaluating the grants and agreements
• Other activities the Secretary of Health and Human Services thinks are appropriate for the program

Who could receive funding

Eligible recipients would include:

• States
• Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations
• State offices of rural health
• Other domestic entities

Applicants would have to describe how local rural residents would be involved in developing and running the activities.

Limits and funding rules

• Grant awards could last no more than 5 years.
• Funds could be fully awarded up front.
• Grant money could not be used to buy or improve real estate.

Funding level

The bill authorizes $165 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program.

Relevant Companies

None found