On September 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), awarded $131.7 million in grants to connect youth and families to behavioral health services.

Of the $131.7 million awarded last month, $48.3 million in grants for Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances. The program strives to provide resources and improve outcomes in children and youth.

An additional $41.2 million is set to expand substance abuse treatment capacity in adult and family drug courts, prioritizing treatment over incarceration for individuals with Substance Use Disorders. These grants provide a continuum of care, including prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services, emphasizing family preservation and well-being in family drug court awards.

The announced funding will also support school-based trauma-informed support services, youth overdose prevention, behavioral health partnerships for early diversion, family counseling and support for LGBTQI+ youth, and planning and infrastructure growth of mental health services in American Indian/Alaska Native communities.   

Read the full release here.