Governor Moore Announces $1.6 Million Initiative to Bolster Substance Use Recovery Support in Rural Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore has announced the launch of the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program, a new $1.6 million grant initiative aimed at enhancing access to substance use disorder recovery support within the state’s rural communities. This program, administered jointly by the Maryland Department of Labor and the Maryland Department of Health, will focus on expanding and strengthening the network of certified peer recovery specialists, individuals who provide support based on their own lived experiences with recovery. The initiative seeks to bring vital recovery services to areas that have historically been underserved.

The RAMP program, funded through Maryland’s Opioid Restitution Fund, will offer competitive grants of up to $200,000 each to organizations providing training, certification, and career advancement opportunities for peer recovery specialists. These services will be provided at no cost to participants. It is anticipated that the program will support training for approximately 250 new professionals, ultimately extending critical recovery support to an estimated 1,000 individuals. The program aligns with the administration’s broader commitment to addressing substance use and supporting rural development across Maryland.

The grants are available to a range of entities, including nonprofit organizations, community-based groups, faith-based institutions, local governments, workforce development boards, educational institutions, and economic development bodies. To be eligible, applicants must serve individuals residing in counties designated as rural by Maryland law. These counties include Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. Grantees will be required to collaborate with at least two other recovery-focused or community-based organizations for outreach and participant recruitment. Additionally, partnerships with at least three employers committed to offering paid internships or employment to individuals pursuing peer recovery specialist certification are a mandatory component of the grant.

The peer recovery specialist workforce plays a crucial role in assisting individuals and families navigating the challenges of substance use. By investing in this program, Maryland aims to ensure that rural areas have access to skilled and empathetic peer recovery support professionals who can offer invaluable insights and lived experience. The RAMP program is designed not only to provide essential support for those on their recovery journey but also to cultivate pathways to meaningful and impactful careers within the behavioral health sector. These funds can cover occupational training, credentialing, and supportive services such as transportation and childcare to facilitate participant engagement. Career advancement strategies for those in mid-level behavioral health roles and paid work experiences are also eligible uses of the grant funding.

This initiative is particularly significant in addressing workforce shortages within the behavioral health field, a challenge faced not only by Maryland but also by the nation. By creating employment opportunities for individuals in recovery, the RAMP program aims to strengthen the behavioral health workforce while simultaneously making recovery services more accessible to residents in rural parts of the state. The RAMP program’s launch complements the Moore-Miller Administration’s ongoing efforts to invest in rural healthcare infrastructure, such as the recent opening of a new community-based health care clinic in Salisbury, supported by state funding.

Organizations interested in applying for RAMP grants must submit their proposals by November 21. The grant period is scheduled to commence on February 1, 2026. A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 10 at 1 p.m. for prospective applicants. Further details and information on how to register for the conference can be found on the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers program website at labor.maryland.gov/employment/ramp.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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