This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department (HHS) recently announced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will distribute $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding.
According to HHS’ announcement, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Program and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program will disperse $1.5 billion each to states and territories. This is the largest aggregate funding amount to date for the agency’s mental health and substance use block grant programs.
In addition, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has formed a Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to collaborate what the department has described as “innovative, transparent, equitable, and action-oriented approaches” to addressing HHS’ behavioral health agenda. Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine, MD, and HHS’ assistant secretary for mental health and substance use will serve as co-chairs of the new coordinating council, which is composed of senior leaders across the department.
