SAMHSA Distributes $794 Million in Block Grants for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs

Federal Funding Boosts Community Behavioral Health Services

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced on February 2, 2026, the distribution of $794 million in block grant funding. This significant allocation is directed to states and territories across the United States to bolster community mental health services and substance abuse treatment and prevention initiatives.

Understanding SAMHSA's Block Grant Programs

SAMHSA administers two primary types of block grants to address the nation's behavioral health challenges: the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) and the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS), also known as the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) or Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUBG).

These block grants are non-competitive, formula-based awards mandated by the U.S. Congress. States and eligible entities must submit annual applications to demonstrate compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements to receive this funding. The funds are designed to provide states with the flexibility to tailor services to their unique behavioral health needs, while also requiring them to address specific service areas and populations.

Targeted Services and Populations

The distributed funds are intended to support a broad range of critical services. The MHBG program focuses on providing comprehensive community mental health services, particularly for adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances. Services covered can include screening, outpatient care, emergency health services, and day treatment.

The SUPTRS/SABG/SUBG program targets substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery systems. Key populations and service areas include:

• Pregnant women and women with dependent children
• Intravenous drug users
• Tuberculosis services
• Early intervention services for HIV/AIDS
• Primary prevention services, which must constitute no less than 20% of the SABG allotment. These prevention strategies encompass information dissemination, education, alternative activities, problem identification and referral, community-based processes, and environmental strategies.

Furthermore, these block grants play a crucial role in funding priority treatment and support services that may not be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, especially for low-income individuals.

Impact on Community Programs

The allocation of these federal funds underscores a continued commitment to strengthening the infrastructure for mental health and substance abuse support at the community level. By providing states with resources and flexibility, SAMHSA aims to ensure that vital prevention, treatment, and recovery services are accessible to those most in need across the nation.