HHS funds $46 million in new behavioral health programs during Mental Health Awareness Month

“This funding will improve the quality of care for underserved populations, support youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies, make a significant contribution to the integration of primary and behavioral health care, and provide essential training and technical assistance to those working in this field,” said Miriam E. Delphine Ritmon, PhD, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This funding will support the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s strategic priorities of preventing drug use and overdose, preventing suicide and enhancing access to mental health services, promoting resilience and mental health for children, youth, and families, integrating behavioral and physical health, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce. Funding will focus on four specific areas:

1. The Minority Fellowship Program ($15.4 million) aims to reduce health disparities and improve behavioral health outcomes for racial and ethnic groups.
2. The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program Cooperative Agreement ($14.9 million) will assist states and tribes in implementing youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies.
3. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Cooperative Agreement ($9 million) will develop and strengthen the specialized behavioral health and primary health care workforce that provides substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services.
4. The National Mental Health Dissemination, Implementation, and Sustainment Center Collaborative Agreement ($7.5 million) will build capacity among grant recipients and organizations that oversee or directly provide mental health services and improve implementation of evidence-based change management processes to guide mental health services.

Mental health issues that have surfaced during the pandemic continue to arise both in and outside of the workplace: Of the 20% of adults in the United States who experience mental illness each year, more than half do not receive treatment, according to the National Mental Health Coalition.

A recent survey by CVS Health found that many employees are turning to their employers and coworkers for mental health support, with employee assistance programs (53%) and peer groups (52%) most trusted as sources of information about mental health issues. 70% of fathers are likely to turn to an EAP for support, compared to 47% of mothers.

“Continuing investments in informed, equitable approaches to mental health and substance use is essential to the health and well-being of individuals and families,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “These grants will have a direct impact on the behavioral health of communities across the country and are a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to improving access to evidence-based and effective behavioral health services.”