SAMHSA Awards $383.4 M in Grants to Strengthen Mental Health Services

On September 8 – designated as 988 Day – the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced over $383.4 million in federal grants aimed at expanding national mental health and substance use resources. The funding directs $252 million to suicide prevention, mobile crisis partnerships, and local 988 Lifeline capacity, including specialized support for tribal communities. The remaining funds are split between substance use treatment and prevention ($81.4 million), focusing on rural emergency services, overdose prevention, and youth programs, and mental health initiatives ($50 million), designed to address pediatric trauma, integrate primary and behavioral care, and establish school-based support.