HHS Announces Funding for Substance Use Treatment and Prevention Programs

Grants to Focus on Increasing Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment for People Battling Opioid Use Disorder

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is announcing two grant programs totaling $25.6 million that will expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. By reducing barriers to accessing the most effective, evidenced-based treatments, this funding reflects the priorities of HHS’ Overdose Prevention Strategy, as well as its new initiative to strengthen the nation’s mental health and crisis care systems.

“Every five minutes someone in our nation dies from an overdose,” said Secretary Becerra. “This is unacceptable. At HHS, we are committed to addressing the overdose crisis, and one of the ways we’re doing this is by expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and other effective, evidenced-based prevention and intervention strategies. We’re also traveling the country to listen and learn about new and innovative ways HHS can support local communities in addressing mental health and substance use. Together, through our Overdose Prevention Strategy and National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health, we can change the way we address overdoses and save lives.”

Following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address earlier this month, HHS kicked off a National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health in an effort to hear directly from Americans across the country about the challenges they’re facing and engage with local leaders to strengthen the mental health and crisis care systems in our communities. This funding announcement is part of this new initiative, which is focused on three aspects of the crisis Americans are facing: mental health, suicide, and substance use.

“This funding will enhance efforts underway throughout our nation to get help to Americans who need it,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. “Expanding access to evidence-based treatments and supports for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder has never been more critical. Strengthening the nation’s prescribing guidelines to prevent misuse is equally critical.”