The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced $31.4 million in funding opportunities aimed at improving behavioral health for racial and ethnic minorities, other underserved populations, substance use treatment and recovery, and the integration of primary and behavioral health care.

These funding initiatives support the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address mental health and overdose crises, key components of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. They also aim to advance health equity and address the disproportionate impact of HIV on racial and ethnic minorities.

The grant programs align with HHS’ Overdose Prevention Strategy, the HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration, and SAMHSA’s strategic priorities. These include preventing substance use and overdose, enhancing access to suicide prevention and mental health services, promoting resilience among children, youth, and families, integrating behavioral and physical health care, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

“We continue to see the impact of investing in quality programs serving a broad range of support systems around the country,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to improving the nation’s behavioral health by devoting resources that strengthen and support existing programs as well as support traditionally underserved populations.”

“At HHS we have championed a ‘no wrong door’ approach to improving access to behavioral health services,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. “With these notices of funding opportunities, we are continuing our work to transform behavioral health and integrate behavioral and physical health services.”

“Through strategic investments, SAMHSA is advancing mental health and substance use care for underserved populations, integrating behavioral and physical health, and fostering a culture of wellness nationwide,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. “This funding underscores our commitment to enhancing access and quality of care for all, ensuring tailored support across diverse communities. By prioritizing inclusive approaches, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term resilience.”

The funding opportunities include several targeted investments:

- **State Opioid Response/Tribal Opioid Response Technical Assistance**: $18.5 million allocated for technical assistance and training in trauma-informed, culturally relevant approaches to reduce opioid and stimulant use disorders.

- **Minority AIDS Initiative: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Prevention**: $5.7 million dedicated to prevention services for medically underserved individuals vulnerable to SUDs or mental health conditions.

- **National Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions**: $2.7 million aimed at advancing physical-behavioral healthcare integration through evidence-informed training.

- **Minority AIDS Initiative: Integrated Behavioral Health**: $2.6 million focused on providing clinical care integrating behavioral health with HIV treatment for unsheltered homeless populations.

- **National Peer-Run Training Center for Addiction Recovery Support**: $1.9 million designated for training entities supporting individuals facing substance use challenges.

These programs represent significant investments in addressing mental health needs across America.

For those struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Additional resources can be found at FindSupport.gov or by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).

Reporters with questions should send inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.