HHS awards over $100M in funding to improve mental health services
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HHS, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, announced $109.4 million in funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act for states and territories to improve mental health services.
A total of $59.4 million will be awarded to states and territories to fund their emergency preparedness and crisis response, according to an HHS press release. The other $50 million will help states expand and enhance their 988 suicide and crisis lifeline services.
“Our nation is experiencing a mental health crisis, and it is critical that we continue to support states and territories as they build up and improve crisis response services in their communities,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, said in the release.
“We have made great strides in recent years, driven by President Biden’s leadership to prioritize and tackle the mental health crisis and through investments like the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The transition to 988 in July was an important step forward, but it is only the beginning of a continuing drive to achieve our vision of comprehensive, responsive mental health and substance use care services nationwide,” she continued.
The $59.4 million in funding for emergency preparedness comes through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sent a letter to state mental health commissioners recommending that state behavioral health systems examine processes in communities after a traumatic event, such as a mass shooting.
The additional $50 million for the 988 lifeline services is a continued investment, which now totals more than $432 million for FY2022. It is 18 times more than the previous administration invested, according to the release.
“This funding underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the crisis care continuum and connecting Americans in crisis to care,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “Improving the mental health of all Americans is a top priority for President Biden and the department.”