WASHINGTON, D.C.- Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, awarded over $100 million to states and territories for mental health emergency preparedness, crisis response, and to expand suicide and crisis lifeline services.

The funds, which come from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, will be appropriated to all 54 states and territories, and awards will range from $458,000 to $2 million.

Previously, DHHS has awarded around $60 million to states and territories through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, and another $50 million in supplemental grant funding.

States will have the opportunity to leverage the new funds to develop and expand mental health services, including mental health emergency and response plans.

Some states are being encouraged to develop mobile crisis teams as well, that can be deployed rapidly throughout the state to address mental health emergencies.

Agencies and providers of mental health services can also receive training for mental health emergencies through the grant, are are being encouraged to create relationships with Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call centers, child welfare organizations, and schools.

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