Lewiston-based Community Health Options’ fall 2021 Community Benefit Expenditure grant cycle is open for applications.

Several grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due by 5 p.m. July 23.

The organizations supports Maine nonprofit, community organizations working to promote wellness and community health. Its fall grant priorities are focused on helping people who are living with or at risk of substance use disorders, supporting people with substance use recovery and continuity of care, and reducing negative substance-related health impacts in the state.

According to The Maine Drug Data Hub — a collaboration among several state departments, the Governor’s Office and the University of Maine — the state recorded 502 overdose deaths in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic created instability in the drug supply, use patterns, and the well-being of Mainers, leading to this new state record. The previous high was 417 in 2017. The rate is expected to trend upward with 81 confirmed and 19 suspected cases in the first two months of 2021.

“These data patterns show that many at-risk Maine people are still struggling with the stress and disruptions caused by the pandemic,” said Maggie Kelley, senior vice president and chief clinical officer at Health Options, according to the release. “As a Maine-based, nonprofit health insurance organization with a vision to transform and improve individual and community health, we are committed to supporting Maine people experiencing or at risk of substance use issues.”

Interested nonprofits are encouraged to learn more and apply at the Community Giving section at healthoptions.org. Recipients will be notified in September.