BSCA Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has issued RFA #84, the FY26 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness Project, to support Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) boards in developing comprehensive behavioral health disaster preparedness plans. This funding is part of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provides supplemental funding through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The funding initiative seeks to enhance state behavioral health systems' capacity to address mental health needs during and after natural or human-made disasters. The objective of this RFA is to continue and expand upon the work initiated in FY25 under RFA #68. Up to 50 grants may be awarded, each not exceeding $33,000, to assist in the preparation and implementation of coordinated disaster response plans. These plans aim to integrate behavioral health services into existing emergency response frameworks and ensure support for vulnerable populations affected by trauma. Selected ADAMHS boards will oversee activities including the formation or continuation of a multidisciplinary Steering Committee, conducting needs assessments, engaging in equity-centered partnerships, developing emergency response protocols, and offering community education and training. The scope of eligible activities is categorized into four progressive stages: establishing disaster equity, preparation, action, and maintenance. Each applicant must identify their current stage and provide a SMART-aligned implementation timeline. Required actions include forming a Steering Committee, creating MOUs with relevant agencies, involving individuals with lived experience, developing accessible communication materials, and implementing trainings for behavioral health professionals and emergency responders. Grantees are expected to demonstrate progress through a mid-project report due in March 2026. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations or governmental entities, specifically limited to Ohio’s ADAMHS boards. Only those with the infrastructure to fulfill all outlined requirements should apply. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. EDT on September 5, 2025, and must be submitted via email to bipartisansafercommunityactrfi@mha.ohio.gov. Applicants who were not grantees in the FY25 round must include three letters of support from Steering Committee partners. A maximum of six pages is allowed for the narrative portion, excluding budget forms and letters of support. OhioMHAS will evaluate applications based on a scoring rubric that includes applicant qualifications, clarity of the proposed scope of work, alignment with the RFA's goals, and budget feasibility. Selected applicants will be notified approximately two weeks after the closing date, with project implementation expected to begin on October 1, 2025, pending formal execution of a Notice of Sub-Award (NOSA). All grant funds must be expended by September 29, 2026. Renewal is contingent on performance and availability of future funds. All questions must be submitted to the designated email address by August 29, 2025, and responses will be posted on the OhioMHAS website. No direct contact with OhioMHAS staff regarding the RFA is allowed. Applicants should monitor the funding opportunity page for updates, amendments, and clarifications.

Ensure application does not exceed 6 pages; provide 3 letters of support if a new Steering Committee is being created; monitor the OhioMHAS webpage for updates and Q&A.