Behavioral Health Integration Initiative

The objective of the Behavioral Health Integration Initiative (BH2I) program is to improve the physical and mental health status of people with behavioral health issues by developing an integrative, coordinated system of care. Awardees of this progra

The objective of the Behavioral Health Integration Initiative (BH2I) program is to improve the physical and mental health status of people with behavioral health issues by developing an integrative, coordinated system of care. Awardees of this program will increase capacity among Tribal and Urban Indian organization (UIO) health facilities to implement an integrative approach in the delivery of behavioral health services, including trauma-informed care, nutrition, exercise, social, spiritual, cultural, and primary care services to improve morbidity and mortality outcomes among the AI/AN population. In addition, this effort will support activities that address improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from mental illness, substance use disorders, and adverse childhood experiences

Federally recognized Indian tribes; tribal organizations; nonprofit inter-tribal organizations; nonprofit urban Indian organizations contracting with the Indian Health Service under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; public or private nonprofit health and education entities; and State and local government health agencies.

American Indians/Alaska Natives will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the funding projects either directly or indirectly depending upon the nature of the program. For example, those individuals who participate in research studies and receive services will be direct beneficiaries while those impacted by policy changes resulting from analyses of Indian health care issues will be indirect beneficiaries.

Federal assistance is to be used for projects and studies that provide American Indians/Alaska Natives with impetus and involvement in their health care and that promote improved health care to Indian people. All IHS Grant funds are for discretionary grant activities.

Pre-application coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov. All applications must be received by the established deadline. These programs are subject to the provisions of 45 CFR part 75. The application package may be found in Grants.gov. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to IHS.

The selection criteria are: Statement of problem(s) requiring solution; need for assistance; results or benefits expected from the project; approach or soundness of the applicant's plan for conducting the project; key personnel and their capability to carry out the project; and adequacy of management controls. Consideration will be given to the demonstrative aspects of the project and the compatibility of the project with the overall goals and objectives of the Indian Health Service.

After review and approval, a Notice of Award is prepared an processed, along with appropriate notification to the public.

Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate, for application deadlines

Renewals at the end of the project period are handled through a competitive process involving a new Notice of Funding Opportunity published in the Federal Register, and a new application submitted under the same guidelines and requirements as the original award.