The federal government has recently awarded more than $88 million in its continuing effort to support recovery and behavioral health progress. The grant programs range from efforts to develop and support school-based mental health programs and services to those that expand access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatments.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made addiction and mental health a priority. “The United States is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, with young people being especially impacted. These grant programs will help all Americans get the support and care they need,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Making behavioral health services and resources available to all who need them is an important part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. The Biden-Harris Administration and HHS will continue to do everything in our power to tackle the nation’s mental health crisis.”

Some specific grants that have been awarded include the Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (known as Project AWARE), the Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment, the Improving Access to Overdose Treatment and the Improving Access to Overdose Treatment.

These grants are a critical component in finding solutions in the addiction recovery and behavioral health arenas. However, so much more is needed. The States also need to make these fields a top priority. They touch on so many other issues that this country faces. If we make progress treating addiction and mental health, we also make progress in these other areas.