Johnston County Launches Opioid Settlement Grant Program to Support Recovery Efforts
February 19, 2026
For Immediate Release:
Smithfield, N.C. - Johnston County Public Health is inviting community groups to apply for grants to help fight the opioid crisis. Using its $15 million share of the national opioid settlements, Johnston County has launched a competitive grant process to support proven programs that reduce overdoses and support recovery. Totaling more than $56 billion, the opioid settlements resolved thousands of lawsuits, nationwide, against the companies that made, distributed and sold prescription painkillers.
County Commissioners have previously approved $450,000 for multi-year pilot projects, with another $200,000 proposed in the County’s fiscal 2026-27 budget.
Johnston County Public Health welcomes grants proposals in two areas:
- Employment services:
Job training, job placement, and support for people in treatment or recovery. - Reentry programs:
Connecting people leaving jail or prison with addiction treatment and health care services.
Funding and eligibility
Eligible applicants include nonprofit groups, hospitals and health systems, private behavioral health providers, and other community-based groups. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged.
Each applicant may request up to $200,000 over a two-year period. Funded projects must serve Johnston County residents and use evidence-based practices to reduce overdose deaths and emergency department visits.
Key dates for the 2026 grant cycle
- Notice of intent to apply: March 6.
- Questions due: 3:00 p.m. March 11.
- Informational sessions: 10 a.m. March 13 and 2:00 p.m. March 18.
- Full proposal due: April 2.
How to apply
The full Request for Proposals package and registration links for the informational sessions are available on the Johnston County Finance website at: johnstonnc.gov/finance under Bids and RFPs. Direct all questions and submit notices of intent to Mary Banks at Mary.Banks@johnstonnc.gov.
