The California DHCS Opioid Response Overview
Summary and Purpose
In an effort to address the opioid epidemic throughout the state, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has implemented the California DHCS Opioid Response (previously known as the California MAT Expansion Project). The California DHCS Opioid Response aims to increase access to MAT, reduce unmet treatment need, and reduce opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. The California DHCS Opioid Response focuses on populations with limited MAT access, including youth, people in rural areas and American Indian & Alaska Native tribal communities.
The California DHCS Opioid Response receives funding through:
- State Opioid Response (SOR) III grant program
- California State General Funds
- Opioid Settlement Funds
State Opioid Response (SOR) III Grant Program
California receives the SOR III grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Many SOR III programs are continuing efforts from the prior Fiscal Year 2018 and 2020 State Targeted Response (STR) and SOR grants.
California State General Funds
California DHCS Opioid Response made available through state General Funds aims to support new MAT access points statewide, expanding MAT in county jails, drug courts, and child welfare systems and increasing MAT services within state-licensed facilities. These projects would prioritize underserved communities in promoting health and racial equity throughout California.
Opioid Settlement Funds
In late 2022, cities and counties in California received the first round of funding from settlements with opioid manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals (parent company of Johnson & Johnson) and the “big three" distributors, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health (“the Distributors"). California has joined additional lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and other entities responsible for aiding the opioid epidemic and anticipates receiving funds from future opioid judgment and settlement agreements.
Learn more about funded projects on the California DHCS Opioid Response page.
Contact Us
For questions regarding California's DHCS Opioid Response, email OpioidResponse@dhcs.ca.gov.
California DHCS Opioid Response Resources