WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last week awarded $96.7 million to expand behavioral health services nationwide, directing most of the funding toward people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness while supporting suicide prevention, addiction treatment and crisis response.
The largest allocation, $63.4 million, will support the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness program across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five territories.
States and territories will distribute that funding to local organizations providing street outreach, case management, mental health care, substance use treatment and housing-related assistance. The program also connects participants with employment, education and additional health services.
Another $16.8 million will fund the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention program, supporting efforts by states and tribal governments to reduce suicide and suicide attempts among young people.
An additional $7.1 million will support community programs identifying young people age 25 and younger who face an elevated risk of psychosis. The funding covers evidence-based interventions intended to prevent psychotic disorders or reduce their severity.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will provide $2.9 million for training, mentoring and technical assistance to help health care professionals identify and treat substance use disorders, particularly those involving opioids and alcohol.
The national Disaster Distress Helpline will receive $1.9 million to provide confidential emotional support for people affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
Another $1.8 million will support a national Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, funding training for medical providers, paraprofessionals and community organizations on screening, intervention and treatment referrals.
Statewide mental health organizations operated by people with lived experience will receive $1.7 million to strengthen peer-support services and organizational sustainability.
A further $1.1 million will support substance use treatment and related services in communities disproportionately affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Recipients will use public health data to identify local treatment needs.
“These investments will expand access to treatment, strengthen behavioral health services, and help more people move from crisis to recovery,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated.
People experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 or access online support at 988lifeline.org. Treatment facilities and providers can be located through FindTreatment.gov.
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