Project Grant H79SM091370

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services) awarded The Well Ne $749,947 under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532) on September 30, 2026.

ConnectWell is a five-year community capacity-building initiative to strengthen behavioral health and community safety across Madison and Platte Counties, Nebraska, two rural mental health professional shortage areas experiencing behavioral health workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and limited access to care. The project will improve prevention, early identification, coordinated response, and recovery by establishing a community partnership network (behavioral health and community safety coalition), conducting a community needs and resource assessment, developing a community strategic plan, and implementing a learning collaborative that provides evidence-based training and technical assistance. The project will create standardized referral pathways and a connection prescription network to equip community partners with shared tools, training, referral pathways, and data systems addressing behavioral health impacts of crime, violence, trauma, and community disorder. The project will strengthen community capacity rather than create new direct service programs by improving collaboration and shared community infrastructure.

The beneficiary population includes youth, adults, and families impacted by crime, violence, trauma, behavioral health conditions, or substance use disorders, with priority for rural residents, justice-involved individuals, veterans, victims of interpersonal violence, and Hispanic and immigrant populations. Individuals receiving connection prescriptions may receive barrier-reduction assistance to increase engagement with behavioral health, recovery, and community resources.

Place of performance is Norfolk, Nebraska. The period of performance extends through September 29, 2031.