SAMHSA is accepting applications for $1 million in funding to help with suicide prevention follow-up efforts

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for up to $1 million* in National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up program grants. The purpose of this program is to promote systematic follow-up assistance to:

·                  suicidal persons who call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program;

·                  suicidal persons discharged from emergency departments and;

·                  those who are being otherwise helped by National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis centers across the country.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), coordinates a nationwide network of crisis centers across the United States providing suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to individuals seeking help at any time, day or night. SAMHSA funds the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline through a cooperative agreement awarded to Link2Health Solutions, Inc. for networking, certifying and training suicide prevention hotlines.

Although this lifeline has provided immediate, life-saving intervention to many people, studies have shown that follow-up calls to individuals who have been in crisis could make a critical difference in helping with their longer-term survival.

Under this program, grantees will:

·        provide telephone follow-up to Lifeline callers who have had current or recent suicidal thoughts, including callers who received emergency interventions,

·        provide follow-up with individuals discharged from local emergency departments who were suicidal, and

·        provide referrals and linkages for people who have been in crisis with an appropriate mental health care system and confirm that contact has been made between each person and the mental health system.

*SAMHSA is projected to provide an estimated six selected crisis centers with up to $60,000 per year for up to the next three years. Actual award amounts may vary and depend on the availability of funds.