Morgan State University’s School of Social Work has received a $500,000 State Opioid Response grant to address the opioid crisis by enhancing workforce development in behavioral health. Provided by the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration and supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the funding will support the university’s training of social work professionals to respond to the increasing opioid misuse epidemic.
The grant will fund the Substance Use Disorder and Health Initiative for Education and Leadership Development (SHIELD), which will support 38 undergraduate and master’s degree fellows, along with eight doctoral fellows. These students will undergo specialized training in trauma-informed care and substance use disorder management. The program also focuses on professional development to strengthen participants’ skills in behavioral health.
Morgan State’s SHIELD initiative is intended to expand access to behavioral health services, particularly in underserved areas, and address the treatment needs of individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. It also seeks to enhance the quality of care through the development of a more skilled behavioral health workforce.
The School of Social Work plans to introduce new courses related to behavioral health, substance use disorder, and trauma-informed care, which will be incorporated into its curriculum. The SHIELD program is funded for one year, with the potential for renewal, and the university may collaborate with community organizations and other institutions to support workforce development and training.
Project co-principal investigator and associate professor in Morgan’s School of Social Work, Dawn Thurman, Ph.D., said in a statement, “Morgan is dedicated to fostering a new generation of competent social work professionals deeply connected to the diverse needs of urban populations. This grant allows us to expand access to essential training, ensuring our students are prepared to tackle the opioid crisis and behavioral health challenges … We are proud to be part of the solution to reduce unmet treatment needs across Maryland.”
The opioid epidemic remains a significant public health issue in the United States, with over 107,000 drug overdose deaths recorded in 2023, according to provisional data from the CDC.The SOR grant program helps states expand access to opioid use disorder treatments, including FDA-approved medications, while also supporting prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services for opioid and other substance use disorders.
