Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces First Wave of Opioid Grant Funding to Fight Opioid Addiction in Iowa
DES MOINES—Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today her office has awarded over $1.6 million in the first wave of funding grants for programs in Iowa that fight opioid addiction.
Legislation passed in 2025 directed 25% of Iowa’s opioid settlement money to the Attorney General’s office to fund programs, services, and initiatives that tackle the opioid crisis in our state. The Attorney General’s office currently expects approximately $20 million to be available for distribution by June 30, 2030, from its share of the settlement money.
The Attorney General’s office began accepting funding applications in March 2026 and is still accepting applications. Applications will be reviewed and awards will be granted on a rolling basis, and those still interested are encouraged to apply today.
“We can win the war against opioid addiction in Iowa with the help of many community partners,” said Attorney General Brenna Bird. “I am happy to award this first wave of grants to five deserving organizations. We want to work with every corner of the state. If you have a program that is fighting against the ravages of drug addiction in your community, please apply for one of these grants. We fight harder and stronger when we fight together.”
The following grants have been awarded:
St. Vincent dePaul, Des Moines, $919,480
St. Vincent dePaul provides re-entry services at the Polk County Jail, their 6th avenue location, their Southside campus, and their sobering center. The staff and re-entry kiosk located at the jail provides immediate access to supportive services such as transportation, coordination, shelters, benefits, and harm reduction resources. Some of the other services St. Vincent dePaul provides include childcare, job placement and training, and recovery services.
Learn more here.
Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, $317,344
Cerro Gordo County has a high percentage of overdose deaths compared to other Iowa counties. The North Iowa Justice Support Program “Bridge to Recovery” uses direct meetings with inmates, providing peer-to-peer support and life skills planning.
Learn more here.
The Warming Shelter, Inc., Sioux City, IA $304,218
The Warming Shelter provides specialized services for the homeless who have substance use issues. They provide assessments, case management, coordination with treatment and healthcare providers, and transportation coordination.
Learn more here.
Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, $57,000
This award will help the SMART Girls program and the Passport to Manhood program, specifically for children ages 6-18. Both programs equip young people with the skills they need to resist peer pressure, and handle challenges related to substance use and mental health.
Learn more here.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, $6,660
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department has received this grant to purchase a high-temperature, smoke-free narcotic and paraphernalia incineration unit. It will burn narcotics, pharmaceuticals, and paraphernalia. This will be the only incineration unit in their community.
Learn more here.
If you would like more information about the Opioid Grant Funding program, you may email questions to opioidfunding@ag.iowa.gov or contact our office through the website here.
If you want to apply for opioid grant funding, you can do so here.
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For More Information:
Contact: Jen Green | jen.green@ag.iowa.gov
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