ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Rural Maryland communities will soon see new resources in the fight against substance use. Governor Wes Moore has announced the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers program, known as RAMP, a $1.6 million initiative designed to strengthen the peer recovery… The post Maryland Launches $1.6 Million Grant Program to Boost Rural Recovery Support appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Rural Maryland communities will soon see new resources in the fight against substance use. Governor Wes Moore has announced the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers program, known as RAMP, a $1.6 million initiative designed to strengthen the peer recovery workforce in counties that have often gone without dedicated support. The program, funded through Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund, will provide competitive grants of up to $200,000. The goal is to expand training and certification for peer recovery specialists, people with lived experience who are trained to help others on the path to recovery. State officials estimate the program will train about 250 specialists, reaching as many as 1,000 individuals in need of support. “Every Marylander knows someone touched by substance use,” Moore said. “This latest chapter in our work uplifts Marylanders struggling with dependence and targets new resources to rural parts of the state that too often have been left behind.” Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller emphasized the focus on equity. “Resilience alone is not enough,” she said. “Rural residents deserve the same quality of care and resources as anyone else, regardless of zip code.” Grants will be open to nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local governments, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and other groups serving Maryland’s rural counties. Applicants must also partner with recovery-focused organizations for outreach, as well as employers willing to provide internships or jobs to participants working toward certification. The program not only supports new specialists but also offers career advancement for current behavioral health professionals. Funds can be used for training, supportive services such as transportation or childcare, and paid work experiences. “Peer recovery specialists are a lifeline,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Through RAMP, we are supporting both individuals in recovery and the professionals who walk alongside them.” Applications are due Nov. 21, with grants expected to roll out in February 2026. A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Sept. 10. More details are available at labor.maryland.gov/employment/ramp.
Photo: governor.maryland.gov
The post Maryland Launches $1.6 Million Grant Program to Boost Rural Recovery Support appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.
Delaware Expands Access to Genetic Testing with New Law