Federal Grant Award Summary

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services awarded Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHC) $268,551.00 under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program (CFDA 93.958) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. This block grant funds CHC's delivery of comprehensive community-based mental health services to the Northern Mariana Islands, including evidence-based outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, case management, peer support services, and housing assistance targeted to adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

As the designated state agency for the territory, CHC will utilize the funding to establish and maintain integrated community mental health service systems delivered through qualified community programs. The award requires CHC to allocate up to 5 percent of funds for administrative costs and maintain a minimum 10 percent set-aside for evidence-based early intervention programs targeting serious mental illness. Funds are restricted from use for inpatient services, capital improvements, and direct cash payments to recipients, with services provided exclusively through appropriate community-based organizations and mental health centers meeting prescribed federal criteria.