The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a $247.9 million grant package to strengthen mental health and addiction services nationwide. The funding will support a broad range of programs, from opioid treatment and overdose prevention to school‑based mental health initiatives, trauma care and employment assistance for people in recovery.
Key Funding Priorities
Medication‑Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction program: $69.4 million will expand access to FDA‑approved medications for opioid use disorder and bolster treatment and recovery services.
First Responders‑Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act program: $34.6 million will train first responders and community volunteers to administer life‑saving overdose reversal medications.
Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers program: $3.3 million will help establish treatment and recovery centers that provide prevention, treatment and medication‑assisted services.
Supporting Youth and Families
Project AWARE will receive $54.9 million to help local and tribal education agencies strengthen mental health services for school‑aged children, addressing mental illness, substance use and co‑occurring disorders while promoting social and emotional well‑being.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative will receive $41.8 million to expand trauma‑focused treatment for children, youth and families affected by traumatic events.
Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grants will provide $8.7 million to colleges and universities for behavioral health services, suicide prevention and help‑seeking support for at‑risk students.
Workforce and Community Support
SAMHSA’s Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support program will allocate $10.1 million to help individuals in recovery live independently and re‑enter the workforce.
The Recovery Community Services Program will receive $1.4 million to expand peer‑based recovery assistance.
A Consumer and Consumer Support Technical Assistance Center will be funded with $1.7 million to aid organizations addressing priority mental health needs and develop peer‑workforce capacity.
Official Statements
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the investments are intended to make treatment and recovery resources more accessible in communities across the country. SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll added that the grants are designed to connect people with services at critical points—when they seek treatment, experience trauma, or begin rebuilding their lives in recovery.
How to Get Help
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.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
