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Community Mental Health Services Block Grant

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) administers the federal Community Mental Health Services Block Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Block Grant is used to improve the quality of mental health services by funding activities that encourage and enhance evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and good consumer outcomes. Also, the Block Grant supports activities that promote the values of recovery, resiliency and cultural competence.

Consumer, family and community based organization projects supported by Block Grant funds include consumer survival skills training; a family weekend outreach center; creative expression through the arts and photography; youth trauma focused programs, and older adult initiatives. DMH initiatives using Block Grant funds include early childhood prevention and intervention, transition age youth initiatives, supported employment, and supportive housing. The Judge Aubrey E. Robinson, Jr. Memorial Mental Health Conference and Lecture Series is funded by the Block Grant. 

The annual application for the Block Grant serves as the District’s state mental health plan for providing services during the upcoming year. It also outlines the system of care for adults, children and families, and lists performance indicators.  Consumers and family members, community providers and DMH partners are encouraged to comment on the plan in the annual application.

The Department of Mental Health and the State Mental Health Planning Council on December 7, 2012  issued a Notice of Funding Availability and a Request for Projects for funding consideration under the FY 2014- FY 2015 Mental Health Block Grant.  Responses to the Request for Projects are due January 22, 2013. The State Mental Health Planning Council which serves as an advisory body to the Mayor and to the Mental Health Department makes recommendations to the DMH Director for the use of Block Grant funds. A list of grantees for each year can be found in the Adult-Grant Expenditure Manner section of each application. The Block Grant is for a two year period.

Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application