HHS recently awarded $232.3 million in grants for suicide prevention and behavioral healthcare for at-risk communities, including more than $200 million in funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related crisis services, according to a Sept. 27 news release.
Three things to know:
1. A total of $177.4 million was awarded for cooperative agreements for states and territories to build local 988 capacity and improve local response. These funds will also be used to enhance recruiting, hiring and training of 988 crisis counselors and implement additional technology and security measures and improve support for high-risk and underserved populations.
2. A total of $18.3 million was awarded to improve response to 988 contacts made by American Indians/Alaska Natives; ensure access to culturally competent 988 crisis center support and to improve integration and support of 988 crisis centers, tribal nations and tribal organizations.
3. A total of $11.8 million was awarded for cooperative agreements to implement the Zero Suicide intervention and prevention model for adults in health systems. The program aims to reduce suicide ideation, suicide attempts and deaths due to suicide.
Read the full list of grants here.