This blog was updated July 26, to clarify the Congressional funding source and further describe the nature of the grant.
Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for maternal mental health nonprofits that provide community-based services. This opportunity was developed by SAMSHA with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
According to SAMHSA recipients will be expected to collaborate with pregnancy and postpartum healthcare organizations, refer individuals in need of behavioral health care to the appropriate entities, and provide short-term mental health and substance use services to individuals who cannot access care. With this program, SAMHSA aims to improve maternal behavioral health outcomes and reduce mortality in the perinatal and postpartum period. The primary activities include:
- Collaborate with pregnancy and postpartum health care organizations, such as a hospital; a unit within a hospital such as labor and delivery ward, postpartum unit, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); a birthing center; other outpatient entities that manage the care of pregnant and postpartum individuals, as well as their infants, such as primary care, OB/GYN, and/or pediatrics to screen and assess pregnant individuals at risk for or with mental and substance use disorders (SUD), including individuals greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Refer individuals in need of culturally responsive, evidence-based mental health and/or substance use treatment and resources, including peer support services, to behavioral health service entities.
- Provide short-term mental health and substance use services if an individual cannot access care.
For more information: Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program (NOFO No. SM-24-013).
Learn more about the funding opportunity here.
Community-based organizations (CBOs) providing MMH services can also request to join our CBO MMH listserve, which we refer to as the “Non-Profit Nation,” by completing an application here.
