The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently disclosed funding opportunities for grant programs aimed at tackling behavioral health challenges at the community level. These programs are designed to prevent the initiation of substance use, minimize the escalation of substance use, and address associated concerns. The total funding available for these grants is approximately $74.4 million. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combat the overdose epidemic and address the mental health crisis, key components of the President’s Unity Agenda for the nation.

“By supporting the development and delivery of community-based behavioral health services, we promote positive outcomes and advance health equity,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding emphasizes the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to providing the resources our local communities need.”Administration’s

These grants contribute to the continuous initiatives within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy. This strategy emphasizes prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Additionally, the awards align with the comprehensive mental health strategy of the Biden-Harris Administration and the National Drug Control Strategy. Both strategies are integral parts of President Biden’s Unity Agenda, reflecting a holistic government approach to combat the overdose epidemic and address the mental health crisis.

Here are the details of the announced grant funding opportunities:

Grants for Expansion and Sustainability of Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (CMHI) – $30.4 million: This program aims to allocate resources to enhance mental health outcomes for children and youth, ranging from birth through age 21. It focuses on those at risk for or experiencing serious emotional disturbances, along with their families.

Tribal Behavioral Health - $13.1 million: This initiative seeks to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior, substance use/misuse, and overdose among American Indian/Alaska Native youth up to age 24. The program aims to build a robust network of systems, services, and partnerships to address trauma and promote mental health.

Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success for States – $15.5 million: This program supports states, including U.S. Territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia, in decreasing the onset and progression of substance misuse and related issues. It aids in the development and delivery of state and community substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion services.

Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnerships for Success for Communities, Local Governments, Universities, Colleges, and Tribes/Tribal Organizations – $15.5 million: This initiative assists communities, local governments, universities, colleges, and tribes/tribal organizations in reducing the onset and progression of substance misuse and its associated problems. It supports the development and delivery of community-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion services.

Read the full release here.