For programmatic questions:
Dr. Michelle Carnes
240.276.1869
michelle.carnes@samhsa.hhs.gov

For financial and grants management questions:
Gwendolyn Simpson
240.276.1408
FOACMHS@samhsa.hhs.gov

The Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program (Short Title: Native Connections) awards funding for projects designed to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior and substance abuse, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote mental health among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) young people up to the age of 24.

Applicants are encouraged to address behavioral health disparities by promoting the implementation of strategies to decrease the differences in access, service use, and outcomes among the populations served.

Although each grantee's program will be different and reflect the needs, values, and culture of their community, all grantees must:

• Develop and implement a variety of integrated services designed to reduce the impact of mental and substance use disorders and complex trauma and to prevent suicide
• Involve AI/AN community members in all grant activities, including planning and carrying out the plan
• Assess community needs and strengths related to preventing and reducing suicides and substance abuse among tribal young people
• Assess needs, identify gaps, and develop a plan that the tribe will pilot after year one of the grant
• Identify and connect the behavioral health services organizations that exist in their community
• Lead efforts to improve coordination among mental health, trauma, suicide prevention, and substance abuse prevention services for tribal young people and their families

Eligible applicants are federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, tribal organizations, and consortia of tribes or tribal organizations.

Estimated award amount: $250,000 per year
Project period: 5 years
Estimated number of awards: 30
Estimated total program funding: $7,523,716

Links to the full announcement and online application process are available through grants.gov.

SAMHSA has changed its registration and application requirements. It is strongly recommended that applicants begin the registration process at least 6 weeks in advance of the application deadline.