Providers Clinical Support System - Universities

The Providers Clinical Support System - Universities grant, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a forecasted funding opportunity targeting healthcare workforce preparedness in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). This discretionary grant program seeks to bridge a significant gap in the education and practical training of graduate-level healthcare students, equipping them to effectively address SUDs in their future clinical roles. It 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 program is to ensure that healthcare students are not only theoretically educated about SUDs but also practically experienced. The grant aims to immerse students in real-world clinical settings where they can observe and participate in SUD treatment, learning directly from professionals and individuals in long-term recovery. This approach provides a comprehensive perspective on the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction and recovery. The program emphasizes the chronic nature of substance use disorders, promotes understanding of evidence-based treatments, and fosters a belief in the possibility of recovery. Funding is expected to support efforts that integrate SUD training into university-based healthcare curricula. This includes developing and implementing coursework, clinical rotations, mentorships, and community engagement that address substance use issues. While specific allowable costs are not detailed in the forecast notice, activities would typically include personnel costs, curriculum development, training materials, travel for clinical placements, and evaluation tools. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible entities. Eligibility is open to domestic public and private nonprofit entities, which would include accredited universities and health professional schools offering graduate-level programs in medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, or related disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to design programs that ensure experiential learning and promote interprofessional collaboration in SUD treatment settings. Though the notice does not detail submission mechanics, applicants will likely be required to register and apply via Grants.gov, following SAMHSA’s standard application procedures. Key contacts for this opportunity include Belinda Greenfield, who can be reached via phone at (240) 276-2545 or email at [email protected]. The current forecast anticipates a post date of March 3, 2026, with specific deadlines for application, awards, and project start still to be announced. As this is a recurring program with a forecast issue labeled as “Forecast 2,” applicants should monitor for future updates and be prepared for a competitive timeline upon release of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This grant is part of SAMHSA’s continued investment in building national capacity for SUD treatment and underscores the importance of preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to meet this critical public health need. With an estimated total funding amount of $1.2 million and an anticipated four awards, the program represents a targeted but impactful intervention to strengthen the clinical pipeline for substance use disorder treatment services in the United States.