Project Grant H79SM091100

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the State of New Mexico Department of Health $712,068 on September 30, 2026, through the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532) to implement Connect & Care New Mexico, a statewide youth suicide prevention and early intervention initiative.

The project delivers universal and targeted suicide risk screening, coordinated response, referral, follow-up, and continuity-of-care supports for youth ages 10–24 across school-based health centers, school health services, and community referral pathways statewide. The initiative addresses gaps in uneven screening, limited follow-through after risk identification, insufficient data on referral outcomes, and weak coordination across schools, healthcare providers, and community partners. The project deploys Care to Classroom, a school-linked coordination model that strengthens communication, supports navigation across systems, and improves care transitions after behavioral health crises. Implementation targets youth and young adults at elevated risk because of behavioral health needs, geographic isolation, social vulnerability, and barriers to timely support and care across New Mexico's 33 counties and 22 tribal nations.

Performance period runs through September 29, 2031, with administrative and operational oversight in Santa Fe, New Mexico.