The California DHCS Opioid Response Overview
Summary and Purpose
In an effort to address the opioid epidemic throughout the state, 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 Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), reduce unmet treatment need, and reduce opioid overdose deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. The California DHCS Opioid Response focuses on all 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) grant program
- California State General Funds
- Opioid Settlement Funds
State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant Program
California receives the SOR grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). California is in its fourth iteration of the SOR grant, a discretionary, federal funding award with a period of performance from September 30, 2024, to September 29, 2027. SOR grant funding is distributed across the state for projects that deliver essential SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Many SOR programs are continuing efforts from the prior Fiscal Year 2018-2022 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.
Data and Outcomes
DHCS collects data on projects funded through the DHCS Opioid Response to track expanded access to treatment and support services, distribution of opioid overdose reversal kits, and individuals served. The DHCS Opioid Response Outcomes webpage provides outcomes data overall and by Opioid Response project.
California DHCS Opioid Response Resources
Contact Us
Individuals seeking substance use disorder services or information should contact their county by using the contact information on this page: Substance Use Disorder County Access Lines.
If you think you are having an emergency for an unexpected medical condition, including a psychiatric emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
For questions regarding California's DHCS Opioid Response, email OpioidResponse@dhcs.ca.gov.