Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced grant awards totaling $45.1 million to expand mental health and substance use services across various demographics, including children and youth. This funding aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address mental health and overdose crises, key components of President Biden's Unity Agenda.
A significant portion of the funds, $15.3 million, is allocated specifically for children and youth services. These funds aim to support mental health in school settings, assist children and families who have experienced trauma or grief, and provide targeted services for young people at risk of serious mental health conditions.
"Be it fostering wellness in young people, caring for the unhoused, facilitating treatment and more, this funding directly supports the needs of our neighbors," stated HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "These investments will empower communities to implement effective solutions that promote long-term healing and resilience."
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, added: "I am especially pleased that children and their families who have experienced traumatic events will receive the services necessary to begin their journey of healing."
The grants include a variety of behavioral health initiatives:
- **Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals ($7.5 million):** Comprehensive treatment for individuals with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions experiencing homelessness.
- **Project AWARE ($6.5 million):** Development of sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs.
- **National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative ($5.4 million):** Access to trauma-focused treatment systems for children affected by traumatic events.
- **Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment ($4 million):** Support for evidence-based employment programs for adults with serious mental illness.
- **Minority AIDS Initiative ($4 million):** Increased care engagement for medically underserved racial/ethnic minorities with substance use disorders at high risk for HIV/AIDS.
- **Healthy Transitions Program ($2.3 million):** Improved access to developmentally appropriate services for transition-aged youth with serious mental disorders.
- **Adult Reentry Program ($2 million):** Expanded substance use disorder treatment for adults reentering society post-incarceration.
- **Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers ($1.7 million):** Establishment of centers providing a spectrum of opioid use disorder treatments.
- **Targeted Capacity Expansion ($1.1 million):** Implementation of harm reduction strategies addressing under-resourced populations.
- **Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Program ($1 million):** Development of non-opioid pain management alternatives in hospitals.
Additional programs funded include family-based outpatient services for pregnant women with SUDs, statewide network programs enhancing family-controlled organizations' capacity, consumer-run organizations partnering with state efforts on SMI/SED improvements, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics expanding comprehensive behavioral health service delivery.
These initiatives are part of SAMHSA’s mission to lead public health efforts promoting mental health prevention and recovery while ensuring equitable access.
For assistance or information about available resources:
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
Visit FindSupport.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357)
Reporters may direct inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.
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