Block Grant Award Summary

The Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration received a $5.9 million Block Grant for Community Mental Health Services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CFDA 93.958), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This two-year award supports the delivery of comprehensive community-based mental health services to adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances throughout Maryland. Funded services include outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, case management, peer support, workforce training, and public education campaigns.

The Behavioral Health Administration utilizes these block grant funds to establish and maintain integrated service networks across the state, partnering with local governments, community mental health centers, nonprofits, and healthcare providers to ensure service accessibility. Per program requirements, up to 5 percent of the grant funds may be applied to administrative costs, and the state must allocate a minimum of 10 percent toward evidence-based programs targeting individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders. The award enables Maryland to develop a comprehensive community-based mental health system while maintaining minimum service expenditure levels established in prior fiscal years.