Arizona Awards $25 Million in Opioid Settlement Grants to Expand Treatment and Prevention Services

Arizona has awarded $25 million in opioid settlement grants to 47 organizations across the state, marking a significant expansion of treatment, prevention, and recovery services for communities affected by the opioid crisis. The funding, distributed through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), represents the latest allocation of the state's opioid settlement funds secured through litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

The Lead

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the grant awards on August 12, 2026, highlighting the state's commitment to addressing the ongoing opioid crisis through evidence-based interventions. The funded programs will expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT), increase naloxone distribution, enhance prevention education, and strengthen recovery support services in communities disproportionately impacted by opioid overdose deaths.

"Every Arizonan deserves access to quality substance use treatment and recovery support," Governor Hobbs said in announcing the awards. "These grants will save lives by bringing critical services to the communities that need them most."

Background and Context

Arizona, like many states, has been significantly affected by the opioid epidemic. According to ADHS data, Arizona has secured approximately $1.1 billion in total opioid settlement funds over 18 years through various litigation settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains. The state established the Opioid Settlement Fund to ensure these resources are directed toward evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

The grant awards announced this week represent the third major round of funding distributed by ADHS since the settlement funds began flowing to the state in 2022. Previous allocations have supported the expansion of the Arizona 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, increased access to naloxone in rural communities, and funded mobile treatment units serving underserved areas.

Grant Allocation Breakdown

The $25 million in grants has been distributed across four priority areas:

Treatment Expansion ($12.5 million): Funding for 23 organizations to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services, including buprenorphine prescribing, methadone maintenance, and naltrexone programs. Priority was given to applications serving rural and tribal communities where access to evidence-based treatment remains limited.

Prevention and Education ($6 million): Support for 15 organizations delivering school-based prevention programs, community education campaigns, and youth-focused interventions. These programs emphasize protective factors and provide accurate information about the risks of opioid use.

Harm Reduction ($4 million): Investment in 6 organizations expanding naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strip access, and syringe service programs. These harm reduction approaches are proven to reduce overdose deaths and connect people to treatment.

Recovery Support ($2.5 million): Funding for 8 organizations providing recovery housing, peer support services, and employment assistance for individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder.

Regional Impact

The grants prioritize communities with the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths, including rural counties, tribal nations, and underserved urban areas. Notable awards include:

• $1.2 million to expand MAT services in Navajo County, serving both the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities
• $890,000 to establish a mobile treatment unit serving Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee counties
• $750,000 to expand the Sonoran Prevention Works naloxone distribution program statewide
• $625,000 to enhance recovery support services for justice-involved individuals in Maricopa County

Clinical Perspective

The grant awards emphasize evidence-based approaches that align with clinical best practices. Medication-assisted treatment, which combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy, is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment.

"These grants will help bridge the treatment gap that has left too many Arizonans without access to life-saving care," said Dr. Cara Christ, former ADHS Director and current advisor to the Governor on opioid response. "By expanding MAT availability and wraparound services, we're giving people the comprehensive support they need for recovery."

What This Means for Families

For Arizona families affected by opioid use disorder, the expanded funding means:

• Increased treatment availability: More providers across the state will offer MAT, reducing wait times and travel burdens
• Enhanced prevention resources: Schools and communities will have additional tools to prevent opioid misuse before it starts
• Greater naloxone access: Free naloxone will be more widely available, equipping families to respond to overdose emergencies
• Stronger recovery support: Peer mentors and recovery coaches will provide guidance and connection to resources

Families seeking help can access treatment resources through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or FindTreatment.gov. Arizona residents can also contact the Arizona 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.

What's Next

ADHS will monitor grantee performance through quarterly reporting requirements and site visits. The department expects to announce an additional funding round in early 2027, with a focus on sustainability planning as settlement funds are distributed over the 18-year payment period.

The Arizona Opioid Settlement Advisory Council, composed of public health experts, treatment providers, and community representatives, will continue advising the state on strategic priorities for remaining settlement funds. The council is expected to release recommendations for the next funding cycle in November 2026.

State officials emphasize that while settlement funds provide critical resources, addressing the opioid crisis requires ongoing commitment from healthcare providers, community organizations, and families working together to prevent overdose deaths and support recovery.

Resources for Arizona Residents

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral
• Arizona 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• FindTreatment.gov: Online directory of treatment providers
• AZDHS Opioid Prevention: www.azdhs.gov/opioid

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, help is available. Reach out to the SAMHSA National Helpline for confidential, free assistance finding treatment options in your area.