HHS awards $96.7 Million for Behavioral Health Programs

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has awarded $96.7 million in grants and cooperative agreements to expand behavioral health services nationwide. Funding will support a range of initiatives, including services for individuals experiencing serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness, youth suicide prevention and early intervention, substance use disorder treatment, peer support programs, workforce development and disaster-related emotional support. A significant portion of the funding, $63.4 million, will support the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness program, which helps connect individuals with serious mental illness to housing, treatment and community services. Federal officials said the investments are intended to strengthen access to behavioral health care, expand the workforce and help more individuals move from crisis to recovery. (American Hospital Association article, 8/17/26)