MDHHS seeks applicants for Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Scholarship Program
Deadline to apply for scholarship Monday, Nov. 9
LANSING, Mich. – As part of its continuing efforts to support the expansion of access to opioid treatment, prevention, recovery and harm reduction, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Scholarship Program to eligible Michigan students.
The Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Scholarship Program aims to increase the number of qualified substance use disorder (SUD) professionals. It provides educational scholarships to students who are participating in a degree program that will lead to a career dedicated to providing opioid treatment services. It continues MDHHS’ commitment to addressing SUD workforce shortages and improving access to services through stipends, scholarships and loan forgiveness. Since 2019, MDHHS has provided $4.9 million to 262 students and providers.
“Michigan continues to be a leader in addressing substance use disorder, with the state’s overdose death rate declining by 47% since 2021,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive and chair of the Michigan Opioids Task Force. “By offering these scholarships, we will help Michigan students enter this vitally important field of health care, thereby expanding access for Michigan residents seeking treatment.”
Students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees for any of the following health professions are eligible: social worker, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant and public health. Students can receive a scholarship of up to $16,000 per year, depending on the degree program they are enrolled in and how many years of support are requested in their application.
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program within the United States and sign a personal service agreement with MDHHS to participate in the scholarship program. Participants will take part in surveys and engage in program evaluation activities. A commitment to seek employment providing opioid treatment services in Michigan for a minimum of two years after graduation is also required.
Applicants must complete an online application and submit financial aid information and other necessary supporting documentation by Monday, Nov. 9. Applicants will receive an email notification of their acceptance status within 12 weeks of the application deadline.
MDHHS has allocated $2.5 million for the program, which could benefit nearly 100 students depending on how much funding participants qualify for during the program. The program is being funded through opioid settlement dollars. Michigan is slated to receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half being distributed to the State of Michigan and the other half being distributed directly to local governments across the state.
For more information and to apply, visit the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Scholarship Program website or email MIOTA-SP staff at MDHHS-MIOTA-SP@michigan.gov.
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