Project Grant H79SM090036

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded a $727,673 Project Grant under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance (CFDA 93.243) program to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) to implement the "Building Hope SC" initiative. The 5-year initiative will focus on increasing the capacity of youth-serving organizations, clinical service providers, and community partners to identify, assess, and provide follow-up care for youth and young adults at risk of suicide in South Carolina. Key project activities include: 1) Partnering with the Education Development Center to develop suicide prevention policies and protocols for schools; 2) Collaborating with Sources of Strength to provide evidence-based mental health promotion and suicide prevention programs; and 3) Working with SafeSide to expand suicide risk screening and training for pediatricians. The project aims to reach approximately 4,500 individuals across the state over the 5-year grant period.