The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has opened applications for more than $700 million in funding opportunities aimed at addressing mental illness, addiction and homelessness across the country. Announced by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Wednesday, the funding will be distributed through multiple programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including support for 988 and Suicide Crisis Lifelines, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), and the newly established Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) Program. The latest Mental Health Grant funding opportunities are intended to expand access to treatment, recovery services and community-based support systems.
In a statement released by HHS, Kennedy said: “Through more than $700 million in new investments, we are advancing President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative and addressing the addiction and serious mental illness that fuel homelessness across America.” He added, “These investments will help move people from the streets into treatment and recovery, strengthen families, save lives and make communities safer.” Among the allocations, $96 million has been designated for the STREETS Program. Eight selected communities will be eligible to receive up to $3 million annually for four years to build comprehensive care systems serving people experiencing homelessness who also face substance use disorders, serious mental illness, or co-occurring disorders. The initiative is designed to coordinate efforts among local governments, healthcare and housing providers, law enforcement agencies and courts while promoting evidence-based treatment approaches.
HHS has also committed $223.1 million to strengthen and expand Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics through three grant categories: Improvement and Advancement Grants, Planning, Development, and Implementation Grants, and State Planning Grants. The funding is intended to support existing clinics while helping establish new CCBHCs in underserved communities. In addition, $238.6 million has been allocated to the 988 & Suicide Crisis Lifeline to improve response capacity across contact channels, enhance services in Tribal communities and provide follow-up support designed to reduce future crises.
Beyond these initiatives, more than $70 million will support mental health services and related programs, while $80 million has been earmarked for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. Funding will also support programs including the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative – Treatment and Service Adaptation (NCTSI-Cat II), Tribal Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention, Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Program and Building Communities of Recovery Program. Through these investments, HHS is expanding the reach of the Mental Health Grant programs and related behavioral health initiatives nationwide.
