HHS awards $14.5 million in grants for suicide prevention programs

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the funding of up to $14.5 million in grants over several years for suicide prevention programs.

“These grants are an important step in not only providing life-saving help to those who urgently need it, but in raising public awareness that suicide is one of our nation’s most devastating public health problems,” said HHS Secretary Tom Price, M.D. “It is critical that we provide effective suicide prevention services wherever needed, and particularly to individuals that may be at greatest risk, such as our veterans.”

September 11th through the 16th is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week to help promote awareness and resources around the issues of suicide prevention. SAMHSA developed the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (Lifeline) to provide immediate help to people in crisis. The Lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers that provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week for individuals in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

The grant programs included in this SAMHSA effort are:

Zero Suicide

The purpose of this program is to implement suicide prevention and intervention programs within health systems for individuals who are 25 years of age or older. The comprehensive, multi-setting approach will raise awareness of suicide, establish referral processes and improve care and outcomes for individuals who are at risk for suicide. Three grantees will receive up to $7.5 million between them.

List of Grantees

Cooperative Agreements to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

The purpose of this program is to support states in implementing the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention goals and objectives focused on preventing suicide and suicide attempts among adults, ages 25 and older, to reduce the overall suicide rate and number of suicides in the United States. Five grantees will receive up to $7 million between them.

List of Grantees

The actual award amounts may vary, depending on the availability of funds.

Information on SAMHSA grants is available at: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants.

For general information about SAMHSA please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov

Reporters with questions should send inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.

Last Updated: