TDMHSAS Secures Additional Federal Grants to Support Behavioral Health Needs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) has secured an additional $7.2 million in federal grant funding to respond to mental health and addiction concerns caused by COVID-19 and recent natural disasters.

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded the department an additional $3.5 million to continue to address mental health concerns caused by COVID-19.  This funding supplements a previous grant of almost $1 million.  Crisis counseling services through this program are available in all 95 Tennessee counties.

SAMHSA also awarded the department $3.7 million dollars to respond to the mental health effects of flooding in 2019.  In February and March 2019, 59 Tennessee counties sustained significant damage from severe weather, and FEMA responded with a disaster declaration.  Funding under this grant will support mental health crisis services, Behavioral Health Safety Net services, and substance abuse treatment and recovery services.

See the counties covered by the 2019 disaster declaration

“Whether it’s the ongoing effects of a natural disaster or the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know Tennesseans are hurting and need help.  In our time of need, we are so grateful for the support of our partners in federal government and the leadership of Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.  “Our amazing network of mental health and addiction treatment providers are perfectly positioned to take this funding, meet the need in their communities, and get people on the road to recovery.”

These latest grant announcements come on top of a $2 million grant from SAMHSA to respond to the behavioral health impacts of COVID-19 and a $500,000 grant from FEMA to respond to the impacts of tornadoes in March.

Anyone finding themselves experiencing a mental health crisis should call Tennessee’s Statewide Crisis Line at 855-274-7471 or text “TN” to 741-741.  People who need treatment for substance use or help maintaining their recovery from addiction can receive a free and confidential referral by calling or texting the TN REDLINE at 800-889-9789 or call their insurance carrier.