Formula Grant X98SM090683

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded a $158,333 Formula Grant for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program to Disability Rights NM, a non-profit organization serving as the designated Protection and Advocacy system for the state of New Mexico. This 24-month grant, effective from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027, supports Disability Rights NM's efforts to protect and advocate for the rights of adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED). The organization will pursue administrative, legal, and other remedies to address complaints of abuse, neglect, and rights violations for these vulnerable populations, ensuring their constitutional and statutory protections, particularly for individuals residing in care or treatment facilities. Through this grant, Disability Rights NM will provide comprehensive services such as investigating abuse and neglect, providing legal representation, ensuring voting rights, facilitating community integration, promoting access to assistive technologies, offering rehabilitation service guidance, and advocating for the civil rights of individuals with mental health challenges in New Mexico.