The Tribal Behavioral Health: Suicide Prevention grant is a funding opportunity provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of this program is to prevent and reduce suicide and suicidal behaviors among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The initiative aims to establish an effective prevention system that addresses the relationship between suicide and substance misuse while building long-term capacity for sustainable change within tribal communities.

This discretionary grant will provide funding to federally recognized AI/AN tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, or consortia of tribes or tribal organizations. The program is designed to support efforts that integrate culturally appropriate mental health services, suicide prevention strategies, and substance misuse interventions. It emphasizes the importance of community-based, culturally tailored approaches to reduce suicide rates in tribal communities.

SAMHSA anticipates awarding approximately 16 grants under this funding opportunity. The total estimated funding for this program is $5,800,000. While there is no specified award ceiling, the award floor is set at $0, indicating flexibility in the funding amount awarded to each grantee based on project needs and program objectives. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, making it more accessible to eligible tribal entities.

The forecasted release date for this funding opportunity is August 7, 2024, with an estimated post date of May 1, 2025. The application due date, award date, and project start date have not yet been provided. Interested applicants should monitor the grant opportunity for updates on these key deadlines.

Eligible applicants must be federally recognized AI/AN tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, or consortia of these groups. The application process will require a detailed project proposal outlining the intended suicide prevention strategies, capacity-building efforts, and integration of substance misuse prevention methods.

For further information regarding the grant opportunity, interested parties can contact the Center for Mental Health Services at (240) 276-1313 or via email at nativeconnections@samhsa.hhs.gov. Additional details and updates will be available on Grants.gov as the opportunity progresses from the forecasted stage to the application phase.