SAMHSA Grants Available for Communities Affected by Economic Downturn

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Date: 4/14/2010
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130

SAMHSA Grants Available for Communities Affected by Economic Downturn

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is making $16.8 million available in funding for up to four years for its Community Resilience and Recovery Initiative (CRRI) grants. The purpose of this community-based initiative is to improve behavioral health outcomes through coordination and use of evidence based health promotion, illness prevention, and treatment and recovery support services in communities affected by recent economic distress.

The CRRI program promotes SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on jobs and the economy. It will help communities mobilize resources to provide behavioral health services that can build a sense of renewal and resilience in individuals facing economic hardship and needing help with the psychological impact.

Under this program, SAMHSA will provide funding and technical assistance for services promoting substance abuse and mental illness prevention, mental health promotion, short-term therapies for depression and anxiety, interventions for problematic alcohol use and other strategies to address resiliency and wellness.

“A severe economic crisis can be materially and psychologically devastating,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “Through programs like this one, communities can restore the emotional health and resilience of individuals and families in need. Paying attention to a community’s behavioral health lays the groundwork for a brighter future.”

SAMHSA also offers information at www.samhsa.gov/economy/ to help people identify serious health concerns related to financial worries, develop coping skills and find help. The federally-funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline answers more than 1,700 calls each day with more than 30 percent of the calls specifically linked to concerns about financial issues or unemployment.

Up to 5 grant awards of up to $1.4 million per year will be made to each grantee for up to four years. Continuation awards will depend on the availability of funds and performance of the grantees. Applicants for these grants will be expected to implement evidence-based practices and address several of SAMHSA’s 10 strategic initiatives including those involving military families, prevention and trauma.

WHO CAN APPLY: Eligible applicants include mayors’ offices, the office of the county executive, or the office of chief executives of tribal or territorial governments in communities with high levels of unemployment.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants may request a complete application kit from the SAMHSA information line at 1-877-SAMHSA7 [TDD: 1-800-487-4889] or download the required documents from the SAMHSA web site at http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2010/SM-10-015.aspx. Applicants are encouraged to apply online using http://www.grants.gov/. You may also download the required documents from the SAMHSA Web site at http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/apply.aspx.

APPLICATION DUE DATE: All applications are due by May 28, 2010.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applicants with questions about program issues should contact Nainan Thomas, M.S.W., Ph.D. at 240-276-1744 or by email at nainan.thomas@samhsa.hhs.gov; or Gwendolyn Simpson, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Program Services at 240-276-1408 or by email at gwendolyn.simpson@samhsa.hhs.gov.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Page Last Updated: 4/14/2010