Maryland DOL Seeks Proposals to Help Women Affected by Opioid Crisis
The agency's Request for Proposals seeks to fund workforce training plans that connect participants to in-demand training and employment opportunities.
James E. Rzepkowski, acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, announced recently 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 an emphasis on 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," Rzepkowski said. "Working together, we can overcome opioid-related workforce challenges by providing new opportunities for women impacted by the crisis."
A pre-proposal conference will be held March 28 at the department's headquarters in Baltimore. Proposals are due to the department by April 29.
The agency's Request for Proposals seeks to fund workforce training plans that connect participants to in-demand training and employment opportunities.
"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 Judith Vaughan-Prather, executive director 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, the department noted in its news release.