News Release, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Funding Will Provide Crucial Workforce Services to Women Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic
BALTIMORE (March 18, 2019) – James E. Rzepkowski, acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, today announced that Maryland is seeking proposals to provide workforce services to women impacted by the opioid crisis. As part of a $650,000 federal grant awarded in 2018 from the U.S. Department of Labor, funding will be awarded to organizations with a working plan to stem the tide of opioid-use disorder with a particular emphasis of serving women impacted by the opioid epidemic.
“This funding will provide critical training opportunities that combat the opioid epidemic from multiple angles, helping counter its pervasive, negative effects,” said Acting Labor Secretary Rzepkowski. “Working together, we can overcome opioid-related workforce challenges by providing new opportunities for women impacted by the crisis.”
The request for proposals seeks to fund workforce training plans that connect participants to in-demand training and employment opportunities. The initiatives will focus on women who have been affected by the opioid crisis, or those who need new or upgraded skills to transition to a profession that supports people struggling with opioid-use disorder.
“Through the Voices of Maryland Women statewide listening tour, we were told repeatedly about the significant impact the opioid crisis is having on women,” said Executive Director Judith Vaughan-Prather of the Maryland Commission for Women. “From the western panhandle to the Eastern Shore, Marylanders are calling for expanded services that address the specific needs of women, including mothers, grappling with the impact of the opioid epidemic. I applaud the Maryland Department of Labor for this effort and look forward to continued partnership.”
Successful applicants will convene a consortium of critical organizations, including employers, industry organizations, community health providers, justice or law enforcement organizations, faith and community-based organizations, Local Workforce Development Areas, state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and local and regional economic development entities.
“This request for proposals represents a critical opportunity to provide meaningful workforce training to those in recovery, and to ensure that we have a highly skilled behavioral health workforce to provide services to this same population,” said Steve Schuh, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. “I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with the Maryland Department of Labor to fight this crisis.”
A pre-proposal conference will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, on the first floor of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation located at 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Proposals are due to the department on April 29, 2019, by 2:00 p.m. EST.
For more information about the request for proposals, please contact Roger Lewis at roger.lewis1@maryland.gov or (410) 767-2963.