Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention

The Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a discretionary grant opportunity aimed at addressing a pressing issue on college campuses: the mental health and well-being of students. With suicide being one of the leading causes of death among college-aged individuals in the United States, this grant represents a vital intervention point for institutions of higher education to provide enhanced behavioral health services, foster protective environments, and reduce stigma associated with seeking mental health support. The program's overarching objective is to implement a comprehensive public health approach to behavioral health, particularly focusing on students at risk of suicide, depression, serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbances (SED), and substance use disorders. It seeks to enhance help-seeking behavior among students, improve early identification and intervention for those at risk, and bolster institutional capacity to deliver sustained support services. Colleges and universities play a central role in prevention strategies, and this grant empowers them to implement evidence-based interventions, peer support models, and campus-wide awareness campaigns. Funding under this opportunity supports a broad range of activities, including direct services, training, outreach, and coordination with community-based organizations. However, all strategies must align with SAMHSA’s principles of evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes. While cost-sharing is generally required, an important exception is made for minority-serving institutions and community colleges, which are waived from this requirement. This flexibility encourages broader participation from institutions serving historically underserved student populations. Eligible applicants are strictly limited to private and public non-profit institutions of higher education, as mandated by statute. This targeted eligibility reflects the program’s focus on campus-based solutions and allows for direct engagement with the student body. The application process is forecasted but not yet open, with an estimated posting date of April 15, 2026. Institutions interested in applying should begin preparations in anticipation of the formal announcement, aligning proposed programming with the goals of enhancing mental health infrastructure, reducing suicide risk, and improving student academic retention through behavioral health support. The grant opportunity is currently in a forecasted state, meaning final application materials are not yet available. Nevertheless, applicants are encouraged to review the prior program structure, familiarize themselves with SAMHSA’s requirements, and begin internal coordination to ensure readiness when the application window opens. Key components of the application are expected to include institutional commitment, program narrative, budget justification, and alignment with evidence-based practices. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach, institutional readiness, and ability to sustain programming post-award. For more information, interested institutions can reach out to Portland Ridley at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Mr. Ridley can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at (240) 276-1848. As a forecasted opportunity with an estimated total funding of $8,815,372 and around 70 anticipated awards, this program presents a significant opportunity for campuses across the nation to invest in the mental health of their student populations. Institutions are encouraged to track the Grants.gov listing (SM-26-009) for the most current updates and to prepare proactively for the upcoming release.