The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded $247.9 million in grants to expand addiction treatment, mental health services, and recovery support in communities across the country.
The awards, announced by the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will support programs ranging from opioid treatment and overdose prevention to school-based mental health services, trauma treatment, and employment assistance for people in recovery.
Grants Expand Addiction Treatment and Overdose Prevention
SAMHSA is directing $69.4 million through its Medication-Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction program to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder and support treatment and recovery.
Another $34.6 million will go to the First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act program. The funding will help train first responders and community members to administer and distribute medications that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers program will receive $3.3 million to establish treatment and recovery centers offering substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including access to medications.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the investments are intended to make treatment and recovery resources more accessible in communities.
Funding Targets Youth Mental Health and Trauma
SAMHSA is also providing $54.9 million through Project AWARE to help local and tribal education agencies strengthen mental health services for school-aged children.
The program will address mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders while promoting social and emotional well-being.
An additional $41.8 million will support the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative‘s community treatment and service centers. The funding will expand access to trauma-focused treatment for children, young people, and families affected by traumatic events.
Mental Health Awareness Training Grants will receive $22 million to improve mental health awareness and literacy. The grants are designed to help communities recognize signs of mental disorders and connect people with appropriate services.
Colleges and universities will receive support through $8.7 million in Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grants. The program focuses on behavioral health services, suicide prevention, help-seeking, and support for students at risk.
SAMHSA will also provide $1.7 million for a national Consumer and Consumer Support Technical Assistance Center. The center will assist organizations addressing priority mental health needs and support peer workforce development and service integration for people with serious mental illness.
Grants Support Long-Term Recovery
SAMHSA is providing $10.1 million through its Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support program to help people recovering from substance use or co-occurring disorders live independently and participate in the workforce.
Another $1.4 million will support the Recovery Community Services Program, which expands recovery support services and peer-based assistance for people with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll said the grants are intended to help communities connect people with services at critical points, including when individuals seek treatment, experience trauma or begin rebuilding their lives in recovery.
Help Is Available
People experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline’s online chat service. Treatment facilities and providers can be located through FindTreatment.gov.
Provided by Dallas Express
