Millions of dollars are becoming available to fight the opioid crisis at the local level — and community organizations in two Michigan regions now have a direct path to that funding. Grant applications are open in both Mount Pleasant and Grand Traverse County for programs targeting opioid treatment, prevention, and recovery.
Nonprofit organizations, school districts, local agencies, and other qualifying groups are eligible to apply. The funding stems from a national opioid settlement that will send nearly $900 million to local Michigan governments by 2040, with an additional $900 million directed to state-level recovery efforts.
Mount Pleasant City Manager Aaron Desentz described the broad range of ways the grant money could be put to use.
“This can do anything from provide housing for people with opioid use disorders, expand evidence-based opioid prevention programs in youth and in schools, provide transportation to treatment and recovery services,”
he said.
“We believe that will help individuals that are on their road to recovery.”
The urgency behind these grants is underscored by a stark reality: according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 2,000 people died from opioid overdoses in Michigan in 2025 alone.
A Community-Wide Response
Grand Traverse County Health Officer Mike Lahey emphasized that no single strategy is enough to address the depth of the crisis. He called for a coordinated, community-level effort spanning multiple types of support.
“It’s not just treatment, recovery, education, prevention,”
Lahey said.
“All of those have to work in parallel in one community to in order to really ensure that you have the full spectrum of services for those who… have substance use disorder.”
Grant amounts and durations vary based on the scope of the proposed program. Both Mount Pleasant and Grand Traverse County allow the funds to be used over a period ranging from three months to two years, depending on the type of grant awarded.
Organizations interested in applying should note the upcoming deadlines: Mount Pleasant applications close on October 30, while Grand Traverse County applications remain open until November 20. For more local and regional news coverage on this and related stories, additional reporting is available from Kenadie Mlujeak.
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