Pass a 10 percent set aside for crisis services
Recommendation
Congress should pass a 10 percent set-aside for crisis services in the Mental Health Block Grant to address gaps in vital crisis services across the United States. At present, the set-aside stands at 5 percent, which falls short of effectively meeting the growing demand for mental health support, including in moments of mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) emergencies.
Background/summary
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was directed by Congress to set aside 5 percent of the Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) allocation for each state to support crisis systems.[1] The MHBG is a grant program designed to provide comprehensive community health services to individuals MH/SUDs.[2]
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of prioritizing MH/SUD services, and many states have struggled to meet the surging demand for crisis services. A permanent 10 percent set-aside ensure states allocate the resources needed to build up critical MH/SUD crisis services. This is equivalent to $165 million, with a funding level of $1.653 billion for the MHBG.[3] A robust crisis response system not only helps individuals navigate immediate challenges but also serves as an avenue for ongoing care and recovery.
citations
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA Block Grant Set-Aside Guidance. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Community Mental Health Services Block Grant. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.
3. National PTA. Reimagine Crisis Response. Last Updated April 5, 2023.