The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $68m in grants aimed at suicide prevention and enhancing mental healthcare services, via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This funding is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to confront the mental health crisis and is aligned with President Biden’s Unity Agenda, which prioritises mental health issues.
As part of the latest funding, around $15.3m will be provided for the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Programme.
This initiative supports states and tribes in deploying suicide prevention and early intervention strategies targeting youth and young adults aged up to 24 across various settings, including educational institutions, schools, and juvenile justice systems.
Additionally, $2.2m has been earmarked for the Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Campus Suicide Prevention programme.
This funding will bolster mental health services at colleges and universities, focusing on students at risk of suicide, depression, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders that may impede their academic success.
Besides, Stanford University will receive $7.5m to establish a new “National Center for Mental Health: Dissemination, Implementation, and Sustainment (MHDIS)”.
The centre will offer training and technical assistance to SAMHSA grantees and others, aiming to enhance the delivery and longevity of mental health services.
A substantial portion of the funding, nearly $42.9m, is being allocated for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED), also known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI).
These funds will be utilised to improve mental health outcomes for children and youth at risk of suffering from SED.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said: “Every September we recognise Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness—to remind those struggling that they are not alone and that there is hope. Many people who have experienced suicidal thoughts are alive today because they got help.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to expanding and improving suicide prevention in order to save lives. That is why we launched the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline two years ago and why we continue to invest in suicide prevention programs that help save lives across this country.”
Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration introduced a comprehensive National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the first-ever Federal Action Plan.
These outline a series of more than 200 actions to be initiated and evaluated over the next three years, offering concrete recommendations to bridge gaps and support populations disproportionately affected by suicide.
