Richmond opens application process for $700,000 Opioid Settlement fund awards

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The city of Richmond's Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response (OOSUR) officially opened the application process for Opioid Settlement fund awards, with the total now rising to $700,000, officials said.

Richmond City Council approved the acceptance of an additional $100,000 award from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to offer mini-grants to community partners, making the total award amount $700,000, according to a Feb. 26 press release.

Officials said this current funding highlights a "hard-won victory" after pharmaceutical industry litigation stemming from accountability concerns regarding the opioid epidemic.

According to a release, the city, along with other localities in the U.S., sued major drug manufacturers and distributors for "deceptive marketing and irresponsible distribution practices," officials said.

"By opening this application process, Richmond is making its Opioid Settlement Funds more transparent and accessible than ever," said Anna Jones, City of Opioid Strategist. "We believe the most effective response is a localized one, which is why we are directing these resources to our community partners. Together, we are building a sustainable infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of our residents—using evidence-based solutions to save lives."

In December 2025, former Attorney General Jason Miyares filed a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court against major pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). In the suit, he accuses top drug companies of inflating prices and deceiving customers about the cost of medication that proves life-changing.

MORE: Virginia accuses top drug companies of inflating insulin prices, deceiving consumers

Per city officials, the $700,000 pool will fund up to 15 proposals focused on the following Richmond Opioid Task Force’s 2026 Strategic Priorities:

• Overdose prevention & community-based services -- Expand reach beyond traditional care settings through mobile and community-based programs. Embrace harm reduction and meet people where they are.
• Evidence-based, trauma-informed care -- Integrate trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices across all settings, including MOUD and Contingency Management.
• Priority populations & targeted impact -- Center services on communities disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis, including African American, Latinex, pregnant/parenting, LGBTQIA+ communities, with appropriate language access and culturally responsive delivery, while remaining open to all eligible participants.
• System integration & continuum of care -- Connect services across healthcare, housing, mental health and recovery through peer navigators, referral hubs and cross-system coordination to break down silos.

Applications for funding close on Friday, March 20. Organizations eligible to apply include Virginia nonprofit corporations or local government entities authorized to conduct business across the state.

For complete application details and the required budget templates, visit the Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response webpage on the city's website.