Mental Health Block Grant
Stored: Mental Health Block Grant
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration |
| Top Organization | Department of Health and Human Services |
| Creation Legislation | Public Health Service Act |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The Mental Health Block Grant provides flexible funding to states and territories for mental health services. It aims to improve access to treatment, support recovery, and enhance community-based care for individuals with serious mental illness. |
| Program Start | 1981 |
| Initial Funding | $491 million |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) is a Department of Health and Human Services initiative administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that allocates funds to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, six Pacific jurisdictions, and one tribal entity, supporting over 2,800 stakeholders and more than 50 mental health projects annually as of 2025. Established in 1981 under the Public Health Service Act via the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, it has disbursed over $15 billion by 2025, with $857.6 million in FY 2025, enhancing community-based mental health services, with 2025 efforts post-Hurricane Helene strengthening resilience through expanded crisis support in affected areas like North Carolina.
Goals
- Improve access to mental health treatment and support services.[1]
- Enhance recovery and community integration for individuals with serious mental illness.
- Provide states flexibility to address local mental health needs effectively.
Organization
The Mental Health Block Grant was sponsored by SAMHSA within the Department of Health and Human Services, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. Funding comes from Congressional appropriations, supporting 59 grantees—states, territories, and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa—across all U.S. jurisdictions, managed by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services, collaborating with over 2,800 stakeholders including state mental health authorities and community providers.
The leader at the Department level was the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, currently Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon (as of February 22, 2025), overseeing the program's administration.
History
The Mental Health Block Grant was established in 1981 under the Public Health Service Act, specifically Title XIX, Part B, Subpart I, via the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, signed on August 13, 1981, consolidating categorical grants into a flexible block grant. It launched with $491 million in FY 1982, grew to $857.6 million by FY 2025, and saw key updates with $1 billion in COVID-19 relief (2021), with 2025 efforts post-Hurricane Helene enhancing crisis services and resilience in regions like Appalachia.
Funding
Initial funding in 1981 was $491 million from Congressional appropriations. Funding continues, with FY 2025 at $857.6 million, supporting over 50 projects annually across grantees, requiring 10% for First Episode Psychosis programs since 2016, with no end date as appropriations sustain efforts like 2025’s $5 million for Helene-affected crisis support.
Implementation
The program was implemented through formula-based grants to 59 grantees, funding community-based mental health services across all U.S. jurisdictions. It operates continuously with no end date, supporting over 2,800 stakeholders, with 2025 efforts post-Helene enhancing resilience via crisis counseling and recovery services in states like North Carolina.
Related
External links
- https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants/mental-health
- https://www.hhs.gov/ - Department of Health and Human Services Overview
- https://www.doi.gov/ - Department of the Interior Overview
- wikipedia:Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Social Media
References
- ↑ "MHBG Overview," SAMHSA, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants/mental-health, accessed February 22, 2025.