Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot

The Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot, also referred to as "Hep C Free," is a proof-of-concept grant opportunity released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This initiative aims to expand the capacity of existing healthcare systems to address Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or severe mental illness (SMI). The program emphasizes support for communities disproportionately impacted by homelessness, as these populations are at heightened risk for HCV infection, reinfection, and inadequate access to healthcare services. This funding opportunity aligns with SAMHSA's broader mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. The primary objective of this pilot program is to test, treat, cure, and prevent Hepatitis C in high-risk populations while gaining operational insights into effective practices for identification, engagement, retention, and reinfection prevention. SAMHSA intends to use the findings to inform larger-scale efforts to integrate HCV care into behavioral health systems. Proposed projects must leverage existing institutional infrastructure and demonstrate capacity for full-service delivery, including diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up protocols. Successful applications will also detail community engagement efforts and linkages to housing or recovery services where applicable. Applicants may receive between $2.5 million and $7.5 million over a period of two years (up to $3.75 million annually), with the possibility of a third year of funding depending on the availability of funds and grantee performance. The total anticipated funding pool for this opportunity is $100 million, and SAMHSA expects to issue between 13 and 40 awards. No cost sharing or matching funds are required, and applicants are advised not to exceed the annual award ceiling. Awards are contingent upon compliance with reporting requirements, progress milestones, and fund availability. Eligible applicants include states and territories, the District of Columbia, political subdivisions of states, Indian tribes and tribal organizations as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 5304, health facilities or programs operating under the Indian Health Service, and other public or private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based entities. The opportunity is available nationwide, and there are no geographic restrictions beyond eligibility types. Applications must comply with Executive Order 12372 if their state participates in the intergovernmental review process, and applicants must submit a Public Health System Impact Statement (PHSIS) to their relevant state and local agencies by the application deadline. The NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) was posted on Grants.gov on July 11, 2025, and applications are due by August 1, 2025. Comments from State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) reviewers and Single State Agencies must be submitted within 60 days after the application deadline. The opportunity is currently active and accepting applications, but there are no pre-application deadlines or question periods explicitly mentioned. The grant is not offered on a rolling basis; however, it may be recurring based on its classification as a pilot with evaluative intent. Applicants seeking further information about eligibility or the program should contact SAMHSA at HepCFree@samhsa.hhs.gov or call 240-276-1660. Budget and financial inquiries can be directed to the Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants Management, at NOFOBudget.CSAT@samhsa.hhs.gov or 240-276-1400. All application documents, including the full NOFO PDF and DOC versions, the FY 2025 SAMHSA NOFO Application Guide, and relevant forms, are available via the SAMHSA website or Grants.gov.