Recently the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the release of 145 grant awards totaling $17.8 million to help communities increase mental health awareness among individuals who interact with people who are experiencing or exhibiting symptoms of a mental health disorder and refer them to available services in the community.      

     Twenty-eight agencies and organizations across HHS Region IV (Southeast) will be able to devote additional resources to train school personnel, emergency first responders, law enforcement, veterans, armed services members and their families to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, particularly serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbances, to respond safely and appropriately as well as raise awareness about available community resources.  

     To learn more about SAMHSA's efforts to support mental health awareness training in the Southeast and across the U.S., please click here.