In a pivotal step towards addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic, the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has awarded Morgan State University’s School of Social Work a $500,000 grant. This funding, part of the State Opioid Response initiative and supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, aims to equip future social work professionals with specialized skills to tackle opioid misuse and its associated challenges.
The SHIELD Fellowship
The grant will establish 38 student fellowships for undergraduate seniors and master’s degree candidates, along with eight doctoral training fellowships, under the newly formed Substance Use Disorder and Health Initiative for Education and Leadership Development. Participants in the SHIELD initiative will receive targeted training in trauma-informed care and substance use disorder management. The goal is to enhance their capabilities to address pressing behavioral health issues in urban communities.
“The SHIELD initiative is a commitment to creating systemic change by developing leaders in behavioral health,” stated Dawn Thurman, Ph.D., associate professor, and project co-principal investigator. “This grant allows us to expand access to essential training, ensuring our students are prepared to tackle the opioid crisis and behavioral health challenges. Our focus on workforce development aligns with SAMHSA’s priorities, and we are proud to be part of the solution to reduce unmet treatment needs across Maryland.”
A Growing Concern
According to provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 107,543 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies. The SOR grant program was established to provide resources to combat the opioid crisis, focusing on increasing access to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and supporting a range of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This initiative aims to reduce unmet treatment needs, particularly in underserved areas.
In addition to expanding current efforts, the SHIELD initiative will integrate trauma-informed care and opioid use disorder prevention into the behavioral health workforce training. This marks a significant expansion in scope for Morgan State. “This federal and state partnership enables Morgan to participate in the national dialogue on developing systems and networks of care to save and improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by the overdose crisis,” said Melissa Littlefield, Ph.D., co-principal investigator and associate professor at the university.
Enhancing the Curriculum
To further enhance educational opportunities, the School of Social Work plans to develop new courses related to behavioral health, substance use disorders, and trauma-informed care as part of the social work curriculum. The grant is initially awarded for one year and has the potential for renewal.
Morgan State can explore collaborations with community organizations and other educational institutions to bolster the SHIELD Initiative’s workforce development efforts.
