Congressman Gonzalez Encourages Mental Health Providers to Apply for SAMHSA Grants

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) has announced that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for its Assertive Community Treatments grant program. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

SAMHSA utilizes these grants to enhance behavioral health outcomes by reducing the rates of hospitalization and death for people with a serious mental illness. Grants are also used to expand its Assertive Community Treatment Model which seeks to lower the rates of substance abuse, homelessness, and criminal charges among those with serious mental illnesses. This Model delivers around-the-clock support in the form of teams who are available to respond to a home or other setting and avoid crises caused by symptoms of mental illness.

"These grants can help our mental health providers offer more consistent and reliable support to individuals with a mental illness," Congressman Gonzalez said. "It is my hope that mental health professionals in South Texas will take advantage of this and other funding opportunities to improve the physical and mental health and well-being of our communities."

Eligible applicants include:

• States and political subdivisions of a state;
• American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations;
• Mental health systems;
• Healthcare facilities;
• Entities that serve individuals with serious mental illness who experience homelessness or are justice-involved.

SAMHSA anticipates awarding up to seven grants of up to $678,000 per year for up to five years. The actual award amount is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Applicants must first register with the National Institutes of Health's electronic Research Administration (eRA) commons. This process can take as long as six weeks. Applicants are also required to register with the System for Award Management, SAM.gov, in addition to Grants.gov.

For additional program information, please contact Mary Blake by phone at 240-276-1747 or by email at mary.blake@samhsa.hhs.gov. If your organization has questions about grants management or budget issues, please contact Gwendolyn Simpson by phone at 240-276-1408, or by email at FOACMHS@samhsa.hhs.gov.