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SAMHSA Awards $6.2 Million to Help Colleges, Universities Prevent Suicide

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is awarding $6.2 million in grants to 21 colleges and universities to assist in their efforts to prevent suicide and enhance mental health services for students in crisis. The grants are designed to enhance services for students with mental and behavioral health problems, such as depression and substance abuse, which may put them at risk for suicide and suicide attempts.

Funds will be used by the grantee to develop training programs for students and campus personnel, create on-campus networks, conduct educational seminars, prepare and distribute educational materials, and promote the National Suicide Prevention lifeline (1-800-273-TALK or 8255) which provides 24-hour help for individuals with suicide-related problems.

“Suicide is preventable,” says SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “This new grant will help ensure that students know that there are places they can turn for help—even before they are at a crisis point.”

This year, 16 Campus Suicide Prevention grants will be awarded under the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. These grantees are expected to receive up to $102,000 per year for up to three years. Five grants will be awarded through the Affordable Care Act Prevention Fund. These grantees can receive up to $306,000 to be used over three years. Annual continuation awards will depend on the availability of funds and the performance of the grantees.

— Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration