The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced $81.3 million in grant awards today. The funding includes over $16 million to support the integration of primary and behavioral health care, a model aimed at improving person-centered comprehensive care, increasing access to preventive care, coordinating mental, physical, social, and substance use-related needs, and reducing overall costs.
Additionally, more than $24 million will be allocated to expand the capacity of drug treatment courts. These courts are recognized for their effectiveness in reducing unnecessary incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders. Previous expansions have led to increased abstinence from substance use, higher work or educational attainment, and improved housing stability.
Further awards will support Tribal behavioral health initiatives, advance prevention science, aid communities of recovery, and connect individuals to necessary care. This funding underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing mental health and overdose crises—key elements of the President’s Unity Agenda.
“Now, more than ever, we need to make treatment for people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders accessible and affordable. By integrating primary and behavioral health care and utilizing evidence-based approaches, we are helping to ensure that more Americans receive the comprehensive care they need and deserve – while reducing overall costs for patients and providers,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Unity Agenda is taking on the biggest challenges facing Americans, including beating the opioid epidemic and tackling the mental health crisis. We will continue to expand our efforts to support Tribal behavioral health, advance prevention science, support communities of recovery, and connect more people to care.”
“Holistic, coordinated behavioral and primary health services get people the care they need early and minimize gaps in individuals’ overall health and wellness management,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and leader of SAMHSA. “Integrating these systems will improve the care delivery experience for both patients and providers, improve resource allocation appropriately, and achieve better health outcomes.”
The $81.3 million in awards includes:
- Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States – ($9.2 million) – This program promotes full integration between physical and behavioral healthcare practices.
- Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: Collaborative Care Model – ($7.1 million) – Supports implementation of an evidence-based integrated care approach addressing mental health conditions in primary settings.
- Expand Substance Use Disorder Treatment Capacity in Adult & Family Treatment Drug Courts – ($24.6 million) – Aims to expand SUD treatment services in existing drug courts.
- Building Communities of Recovery – ($6.7 million) – Mobilizes community resources for long-term recovery support.
- Tribal Behavioral Health – ($10.2 million) – Prevents suicidal behavior among American Indian/Alaska Native youth by building supportive networks.
- Screening Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment – ($9.4 million) – Implements public health models focusing on screening for underage drinking, opioid use.
- Prevention Technology Transfer Centers Cooperative Agreements – ($8.1 million) – Enhances training services within the substance misuse prevention field.
- First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act – ($6 million) – Provides resources for first responders administering naloxone.
These grants align with SAMHSA’s mission to promote mental health equity through public health efforts.
For those struggling or in crisis: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org; visit FindSupport.gov for assistance with mental health or substance issues; locate a treatment facility at FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).
Reporters can direct inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.
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