SAMHSA is accepting applications for up to $18.4 million for Networking, Certifying, and Training Suicide Prevention Lifelines and Disaster Distress Helpline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for Networking, Certifying, and Training Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Disaster Distress Helpline cooperative agreements, totaling up to $18.4 million over the next three years.

The purpose of the grant is to: (1) manage, enhance, and strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) that routes individuals in the United States to a network of certified crisis centers that links to local emergency, mental health, and social services resources; and (2) support the National Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) to assist residents in the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress resulting from disasters and traumatic events.

SAMHSA expects to fund one grantee with up to $6.13 million ($5,302,000 for Lifeline and $828,000 for DDH) per year for up to three years.  The actual award amount may vary, depending on the availability of funds.

WHO CAN APPLY:

Eligible applicants are domestic public and private nonprofit entities. For example:

  • State governments, including the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
  • Governmental units within political subdivisions of a state, such as a county, city, or town.
  • Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, and consortia of tribes or tribal organizations.
  • Public or private universities and colleges.
  • Community- and faith-based organizations.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must register with the National Institutes of Health’s electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons in order to submit an application.  This process takes up to six weeks.  If you believe you are interested in applying for this opportunity, you MUST start the registration process immediately.  Do not wait to start this process.  If your organization is not registered and you do not have an active eRA Commons PI account by the deadline, the application will not be accepted. Applicants also must register with the System for Award Management and Grants.gov.

APPLICATION DUE DATE:  February 5, 2018 by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time).  Applications must be received by the due date and time to be considered for review. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Applicants with questions about program issues should contact James Wright at (240) 276-1854 or James.Wright@samhsa.hhs.gov.

Jamie Seligman at (240) 276-1855 or Jamie.Seligman@samhsa.hhs.gov.

For questions on grants management issues contact Gwendolyn Simpson at (240) 276-1408 or FOACMHS@samhsa.hhs.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.

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