Maryland Awards $1.6M in Opioid Settlement Funds for Rural Peer Recovery Services

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Published February 27th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Maryland Department of Labor, in partnership with other state agencies, has awarded $1.6 million in opioid settlement funds to eight community organizations. This funding, through the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program, will expand peer-led recovery services and support the training and certification of peer recovery specialists in rural communities.

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What changed

The State of Maryland, through its Department of Labor and Office of Overdose Response, has announced the distribution of $1.6 million in opioid settlement funds. These funds are allocated to eight selected community organizations under the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program. The initiative aims to expand substance use recovery services in rural areas by supporting the training, certification, and career advancement of individuals with lived experience in recovery, enabling them to become Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

This announcement represents a new funding initiative to bolster the behavioral health workforce and provide critical support services in underserved rural communities. While no specific compliance actions are mandated for regulated entities, organizations involved in substance use treatment or recovery services in Maryland may find opportunities to partner with the awarded grantees or leverage similar funding streams. The program emphasizes turning lived experience into career opportunities and enhancing recovery support networks across the state.

Source document (simplified)

For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2026

Contacts:
Office of the Lt. Governor: Rachel Sawicki
(443) 221-1894
rachel.sawicki@maryland.gov
Department of Labor: Dinah Winnick
dinah.winnick@maryland.gov
Moore-Miller Administration Awards $1.6M in Opioid Settlement Funds to Expand Peer-Led Recovery Services in Rural Communities

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller announced the expansion of substance use recovery services across Maryland’s rural communities through $1.6 million in awards to prepare people who have lived experience in recovery for careers as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.

The Maryland Department of Labor, in partnership with Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response—which operates under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller—and the Maryland Department of Health, have selected eight community organizations to receive funding through the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program. Funded by Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund, these RAMP awards will support the training, certification, and career advancement of certified peer recovery specialists—people who use their own recovery journeys to help others navigate substance use and mental health challenges.

“Recovery is possible and most powerful when it’s led by those who have walked the path themselves,” said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. “By strengthening peer-led recovery services in our rural communities, we are ensuring that no Marylander has to navigate substance use disorders and recovery alone. Through RAMP, we are turning lived experience into hope, healing, and opportunity across our state.”

“Peer recovery specialists bring credibility, compassion, and trust beyond what is taught in a classroom alone,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “This program recognizes the value of lived experience in navigating the recovery journey, and provides a pathway for people in recovery to build careers while helping others find hope and support.”

Grantees

The selected organizations will expand outreach and recovery services in rural areas that are disproportionately impacted by substance use, while supporting training, certification, and career advancement for peer recovery specialists.

Western Area Health Education Center (AHEC West)
Asian American Center of Frederick
Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center
Mid Shore Behavioral Health
On Our Own of Frederick County
St. Mary’s County Health Department
Voices of Hope Maryland (Cecil and Harford County)
Westminster Rescue Mission “RAMP is a game changer, because it addresses several of our most urgent priorities for reducing overdoses in Maryland at once,” said Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “Not only will this program expand access to recovery supports in underserved areas of our state, it bolsters the behavioral health workforce and increases opportunities for meaningful employment, which can make all the difference for long-term success in recovery."

"Peers are essential bridge-builders with a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of people in recovery," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “By increasing the number of certified peer recovery specialists, we are expanding essential support for individuals on their journey to wellness while ensuring compassionate, effective recovery resources for Maryland’s most rural and underserved communities.”

RAMP grantees are required to partner with recovery-focused and other community-based organizations for outreach and recruitment, as well as employers committed to providing internships and employment opportunities for participants pursuing Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credentials. In addition, RAMP supports career advancement pathways that help experienced certified peers transition into mid-level behavioral health roles, further strengthening Maryland’s recovery workforce.

The RAMP program advances Maryland’s broader efforts to reduce overdose deaths, expand access to recovery services, and strengthen Maryland’s behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural areas.

Visit the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers program for additional information

About Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response

Operating under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response works to increase collaboration across all state and local agencies working to reduce overdoses and increase access to substance use recovery across the state. It promotes the adoption of evidence-based practices in support of the goals identified in Maryland’s Overdose Response Strategy. Learn more at StopOverdose.maryland.gov.

About the Maryland Department of Labor

The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website.