Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering funding through the Zero Suicide initiative to support health systems in implementing comprehensive suicide prevention strategies. The grant opportunity, titled "Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems" (NOFO Number: SM-26-008), is grounded in SAMHSA’s broader mission to reduce suicide risk and promote behavioral health nationwide. This program is authorized under Section 520L of the Public Health Service Act and aligns with SAMHSA’s strategic priorities and the federal administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The initiative is designed in response to a significant public health concern: the growing rates of suicide across the United States, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, Native American and Alaska Native individuals, and veterans. This funding opportunity specifically supports healthcare systems in integrating the Zero Suicide framework—a set of evidence-based, system-wide practices aimed at reducing suicide attempts and deaths among adults. Grantees are required to implement all seven elements of the Zero Suicide model: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition, and Improve. These components address suicide prevention from leadership and workforce development to clinical practices and continuous quality improvement. The overarching goal is to enhance coordination across various levels of care, ensure consistent engagement with at-risk individuals, and maintain high standards of treatment fidelity and responsiveness. The model emphasizes the use of validated screening tools, culturally competent practices, and timely follow-ups, especially during transitions of care. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public health and behavioral care entities such as community-based primary care providers, behavioral health organizations, emergency departments, state mental health or public health agencies, U.S. territories, and Indian Tribes or tribal organizations. Notably, at least two awards are reserved for tribal entities, provided there is sufficient application volume. Prior awardees under NOFO SM-23-011 are not eligible for this round of funding. Award amounts vary depending on applicant type: up to $700,000 per year for state and territorial agencies, and up to $400,000 per year for other eligible entities including Tribes, tribal organizations, and local health providers. The project period may extend up to five years, and no cost-sharing or matching is required. Applications are due by April 20, 2026. The expected award notification date is September 1, 2026, with funded projects commencing on September 30, 2026. Submission must be completed electronically through Grants.gov or eRA Commons, following specific registration requirements including SAM.gov and UEI validation. Applicants must include a detailed project narrative, budget, biographical sketches of key personnel, data collection tools, a timeline of activities, and coordination documentation such as a letter to the Single Point of Contact if applicable. Required personnel include a Project Director and Evaluator, each dedicating at least 50% full-time effort. Applications that exceed page limits or do not meet eligibility criteria will not be reviewed. Evaluation of proposals will consider population need, implementation approach, proposed evidence-based treatments, organizational experience, staffing capacity, and the plan for performance measurement. Awardees will be required to participate in SAMHSA-directed technical assistance activities and attend in-person meetings in years two and four. Key program activities include establishing a Zero Suicide Oversight Steering Council, developing workforce training, implementing screening protocols, creating individualized care plans, ensuring follow-up and transition care, and engaging in continuous quality improvement. Compliance with federal financial management standards, anti-discrimination laws, and SAMHSA’s programmatic priorities is mandatory throughout the project period. Contact information for technical questions is provided. Program and eligibility inquiries should be directed to Whitcomb Wakefield-Terpening at [email protected] or 240-276-2911. Budget questions should be addressed to the Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants Management at [email protected] or 240-276-1940. Full details, including the NOFO PDF and the FY 2026 Application Guide, are available via official SAMHSA and Grants.gov channels.

Ensure alignment with all seven Zero Suicide framework elements; Include both Project Director and Evaluator roles with 50% FTE; Avoid page overages; Refer to the SAMHSA Application Guide and current Executive Orders.