WASHINGTON – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said it is directing nearly $2.5 billion in block grants to states and territories for addressing mental illness and drug addiction.

SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded a total of $825 million in mental health services grants and $1.65 billion in block grants nationwide for substance abuse and treatment.

Utah’s share is $7,459,411 for mental health services and $15,548,611 for addiction treatment.

A news release said the treatment grants are needed now more than ever as the nation’s mental illness and addiction crises have worsened during the pandemic.

“We know multiple stressors during the pandemic – isolation, sickness, grief, job loss, food instability and loss of routines – have devastated many Americans and presented unprecedented challenges for behavioral health providers across the nation,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Tom Coderre. “During this time of increased urgency, we want to assure them that funding is in place to help states and territories provide pathways to prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services, especially for underserved populations.”

🆕 Biden Administration will provide nearly $2.5 billion in funding to states and territories to address the nation’s mental illness and addiction crisis, which has worsened during the #COVID19 pandemic: https://t.co/Qd251JKgGj pic.twitter.com/ubNWMfCvhC

— SAMHSA (@samhsagov) March 11, 2021

The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program gives states leeway to figure out where the money is most needed for the treatment of serious mental health conditions.

Likewise, The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program allows states to plan, implement and evaluate activities to prevent and treat substance use disorder, the release said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released data that confirmed an increase in overdose fatalities during the pandemic, and this year’s increases in calls to helplines across the country are indicative of growing anxiety, depression, and trauma in Americans, according to the news release.

“SAMHSA resources connect Americans to evidence-based treatment and services every day,” said Coderre. “Focusing on both mental and substance use disorders – challenges that pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic but that have worsened over the past year – will be a crucial part of SAMHSA’s approach to helping the nation move forward.”

People searching for treatment for mental or substance use disorders can find treatment here or by calling SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).   

Utah Suicide Prevention Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Additional Crisis Hotlines

• Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
• Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
• National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
• University Of Utah Crisis Interventional Crisis Line: 801-587-300

Online resources

• NAMI Utah
• Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Safe UT Crisis Text and Tip Line

In an emergency

• Call the police
• Go to the emergency room