National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention grant is a forthcoming initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This program aligns with SAMHSA’s longstanding role in advancing mental health and substance use services across the country. The forecasted opportunity, listed under CFDA number 93.243, is grounded in a public health approach and seeks to expand suicide prevention resources and programs targeting adults aged 25 and older. The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of comprehensive suicide prevention and intervention strategies within high-need communities. Awardees will be expected to coordinate efforts with key stakeholders, increase public awareness around suicide prevention resources, and implement lethal means safety strategies. These activities aim to reduce suicide rates by promoting early identification, effective intervention, and systemic collaboration among healthcare providers, state agencies, tribal organizations, and community-based services. Funding through this opportunity will be distributed via discretionary grants, with an expected total program allocation of $2 million across approximately five awards. While the forecast does not provide detailed information about individual award ceilings or floors, the absence of a matching requirement suggests a commitment to equitable access, particularly for resource-constrained applicants. The program does not mandate cost sharing, reducing the administrative burden on participating entities. Eligibility is statutorily defined under section 520L(a)(2), limiting applicants to specific entities: community-based primary care or behavioral health settings, emergency departments, state mental health or public health agencies, territories of the U.S., and federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal organizations. This restriction reflects the program’s emphasis on operational readiness and infrastructure for delivering immediate, targeted mental health services. The estimated posting date for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is March 16, 2026. Although the official application deadline and project start date remain unspecified, the grant is part of SAMHSA’s anticipated Fiscal Year 2026 initiatives. Once the NOFO is released, applicants will likely need to register and submit materials via Grants.gov. Required materials are expected to include a project narrative, budget justification, and supporting documentation confirming eligibility and implementation capacity. For prospective applicants, Tara Parra serves as the primary contact and can be reached at (240) 276-2830 or via email at SAMHSA-NSSP@samhsa.hhs.gov. Interested organizations should monitor Grants.gov for updates, as this forecasted opportunity is still in the early engagement stage. If recurring, the application cycle may follow an annual cadence, with future deadlines expected in spring based on the current estimated post date.