Summary of Block Grant Award for Community Mental Health Services

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services awarded $1,296,519.00 to the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program (CFDA 93.958), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This two-year block grant enables New Hampshire to develop and maintain comprehensive community-based mental health service networks delivering critical behavioral health interventions for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Under this award, the state will provide a range of community mental health services including outpatient counseling, substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, case management, housing assistance, peer support, workforce training, and public education initiatives. Services are delivered through appropriately qualified community programs such as community mental health centers, child mental health programs, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, and mental health peer-support programs. The state must set aside 10 percent of funding to implement evidence-based programs targeting individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders. Up to 5 percent of grant funds may be allocated for administrative costs, while funds must be expended through public or nonprofit private entities and cannot support inpatient services, land/building acquisition, or major equipment purchases.