Subject:
.Title
Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Fiscal Year 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-based Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant application and required certifications to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-based Program (COSSUP).
• The COSSUP program provides federal funding to state and local governments to develop, implement or expand comprehensive programs in response to overdose deaths, illicit opioids, stimulants, and other substances of abuse. and recovery support services in the community and within correctional facilities.
• The County will partner with local law enforcement, emergency medical services, the opioid task force and treatment providers to deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) that provides on-site intervention, expedited access to evidence-based substance use treatment, peer engagement services, and short-term residential treatment in response to suspected overdose survivors.
• From 2022-2025, the QRT responded to 1,141 individuals who survived an overdose or were at risk of overdose. Of these, 548 engaged in meaningful conversations that led to connections to treatment and recovery services. Additionally, 1,962 first responders and community members were trained on naloxone administration and addiction support; and 7,437 naloxone kits were distributed. These expanded community services are not available without additional grant funding support.
• The application will seek up to $1,600,000.00 in federal funding for a 36-month period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.
• There is no match required.
d
Strategic Plan:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve Public Health.
Summary:
Building upon the Quick Response Team (QRT) model established in 2020, the County is proposing to use FY26 COSSUP funding to develop a street outreach team that would target overdose education, response, and naloxone distribution during local events and weekends or seasons that may generate an increase in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls for service and spike alerts.
The County will partner with local law enforcement, EMS, the opioid task force and community providers to continue enhancing connections to evidence-based substance use treatment, peer support services, and short-term residential treatment for over overdose survivors and their families in need of services. This project also seeks to continue the delivery of life-saving naloxone training and overdose reversal kits for the community and first responders.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County’s Quick Response Team (QRT) was first established through FY20 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program (COSSAP) grant funding, and further enhanced with the FY21 First Responders Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) grant award, to increase connections and engagements in community substance use treatment services, provide peer support to overdose survivors and families, and increase first responder and community access to naloxone.
Over the course of the First Responders Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act grant from 2022-2025, 1,141 individuals who either overdosed or were in danger of overdose were referred to the quick response team. Of these, 548 engaged in meaningful conversations that led to connection to treatment services. Additionally, 1,962 first responders and community members were training on naloxone administration and addiction support; and 7,437 naloxone kits were distributed.
Fiscal Impact:
If awarded, the COSSUP program will provide up to $1,600,000.00 in federal funding for a 36-month period, from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. There are no match or cost-sharing requirements.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign grant applications is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
U.S. Department of Justice
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Approval
FY 2026 COSSUP Grant Solicitation
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances
DOJ Certifications Lobbying-Debarment-Suspension
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer or Senior Official of the Applicant Govt