Maryland Department of Labor Seeking Proposals to Help Women Impacted by the Opioid Crisis

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 410-767-2963.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Theresa Blaner
Director, Communications and Media Relations
410-230-6241

About the Opioid Operational Command Center
Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org or by calling 211 and pressing 1. Individuals also can call 211 and press 1 or text their zip code to 898-211 to speak with knowledgeable crisis call specialists.

MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Kuehn
443-240-2877

About the Maryland Commission for Women
The Maryland Commission for Women works with Maryland state government to advance solutions and to expand social, political, and economic opportunities for all women. Believing all Maryland women should have full social, political and economic equality, the Commission serves as a voice for Maryland women in the development of executive, legislative and judicial policies; promotes solutions that address the needs of Maryland women; provides informed advice to the secretary of the Department of Human Services, the governor, and the Maryland General Assembly on the issues of concern to the women of the state; and improves the lives of Maryland’s women and girls.

MEDIA CONTACT
Judith Vaughan-Prather
301-610-4524