The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced notices of funding opportunities this week for grant programs that address behavioral health challenges in local communities by preventing substance use initiation, reducing the progression of substance use, and addressing other related concerns. The grants are a part of the government's approach to tackle behavioral health crises in America.
Delving deeper into specifics, The grant, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), opportunities total about $74.4 million and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities to beat the overdose epidemic and tackle the mental health crisis – two key pillars of the President’s Unity Agenda for the nation, according to a news release.
As we look at reactions to this initiative, "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 in a statement. "This funding emphasizes the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to providing the resources our local communities need."
Moving forward, "SAMHSA is committed to improving access to behavioral health care services in America's communities," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, and the leader of SAMHSA, in the release. "This funding is a critical investment to help organizations in those communities implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and address substance misuse and promote mental health."
Focusing on related initiatives, According to the media release, these awards facilitate ongoing efforts across HHS to advance the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy, which is focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. These awards also support the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive mental health strategy as well as the National Drug Control Strategy, which delivers on President Biden’s Unity Agenda for a whole-of-government approach to beat the overdose epidemic and tackle the mental health crisis.
Exploring further, Roughly $30.4 million in grants have been earmarked for the Expansion and Sustainability of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances, according to the news release. The purpose of this program is to provide resources to improve the mental health outcomes for children and youth, birth through age 21, at risk for or who have serious emotional disturbances, and their families.
