The Department of Labor is announcing the availability of up to $21 million for National Health Emergency (NHE) Dislocated Worker Demonstration Grants.

The purpose of this funding is to enable States, Outlying Areas, and eligible Indian tribal governments to serve or retrain workers in communities

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impacted by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdose.

Awards to eligible entities will be up to $5 million.

The NHE demonstration projects are discretionary grants awarded by the Secretary of Labor under section 169(c) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Successful applications will address the complexity of this crisis by demonstrating strong partnerships with both the workforce system and relevant community organizations working with individuals directly impacted by opioid addiction.

The funding is intended to assist applicants to creatively align and deliver career, training, and supportive services to best serve the affected individuals in the service area.

The primary goals of the NHE demonstration grants are to:
1. Test innovative approaches to address the economic and workforce-related impacts of the opioid epidemic; 2. Provide training and support activities to the following eligible participants, who may or may not have a history of opioid use, but who are located in communities that have been hard-hit by the opioid crisis:
a.

dislocated workers (including displaced homemakers) b.

new entrants in the workforce c.

incumbent workers; and, 3. Provide training that builds the skilled workforce in professions that could impact the causes and treatment of the opioid crisis, including treatment, mental health, and pain management.