590 Crisis Care System

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), is announcing the availability of funding under the 590 Crisis Care System grant program. With an estimated $54 million in total funding, this initiative is a key component of Illinois’ efforts to build a Unified Crisis Continuum (UCC) aligned with national behavioral health crisis response standards. The program is structured to provide 24/7/365 Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) services, targeting individuals of all ages experiencing behavioral health crises. These services include on-demand, community-based intervention, assessment, and follow-up care through teams comprised of a Crisis Clinician and a Peer Support Specialist. The grant aligns with both federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines and Illinois’ Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA), emphasizing the role of behavioral health response over law enforcement in crisis scenarios. The purpose of the 590 Crisis Care System is to fund eligible behavioral health providers to deliver mobile, team-based responses to behavioral health crises. These responses must meet specific criteria, including arrival times of 60 minutes in urban areas and 90 minutes in rural areas, or 60 minutes for any 911-initiated call. Services must be accessible regardless of an individual’s insurance or ability to pay. Awardees must also provide follow-up care for up to 30 days after the initial crisis, ensuring linkage to longer-term supports. The program explicitly prohibits subcontracting for key roles such as the Program Manager, Crisis Clinician, and Peer Support Specialist, to ensure service consistency and quality control. Eligible applicants include Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Behavioral Health Centers (BHCs) approved to deliver crisis services under Medicaid guidelines. Providers must also be enrolled in the Illinois Medical Assistance Program. The service delivery area must correspond to specific Designated Service Areas (DSAs), which are made up of either whole counties or whole ZIP codes in Cook County. Organizations can apply for multiple DSAs, but each must be accompanied by a distinct application and budget. Applicants may also apply in partnership to ensure comprehensive coverage within a DSA. Funding awards are anticipated to range from $150,000 to $2,000,000 per grantee, with approximately 60 awards expected. Renewal for up to two additional years may be available, contingent on performance and available appropriations. The application process is competitive and requires a complete submission package, including the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, Program Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative via the CSA Tracking System, and a Conflict of Interest Disclosure. The application window runs from March 9, 2026, to April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. A technical assistance session will be held on March 17, 2026, but attendance is not mandatory. Questions related to the NOFO must be submitted via email by March 31, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by July 1, 2026, and the grant period will begin no earlier than this date, running through June 30, 2027. The NOFO also outlines that indirect costs are allowable, either through a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or a de minimis rate of up to 15%. While pre-award costs are not permitted, applicants are encouraged to leverage Medicaid billing whenever possible to ensure the grant serves primarily uninsured or underinsured populations. Grant recipients must follow all reporting requirements, including financial and programmatic reports and participation in quality assurance reviews. Applicants must ensure they are prequalified through the GATA portal and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). The opportunity emphasizes equity and access, with IDHS prioritizing diverse, inclusive service models and applicants that demonstrate a commitment to addressing systemic disparities. All documentation, including applications and attachments, must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Failure to comply with submission rules or meet eligibility requirements may result in disqualification.

Emphasize alignment with SAMHSA’s crisis continuum and readiness for 24/7 service delivery in narrative; address required staffing, tech, and outreach protocols.