From the CEO: Mental Health First Aid Milestones & SAMHSA Grant Opportunities

Mental Health First Aid is days from achieving a significant milestone.

I’m incredibly proud to share that we are about to reach a goal we never thought possible: 5 million people trained in Mental Health First Aid across the U.S.

Our nation has the opportunity to build on that impressive growth because the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) last week released applications for the following funding opportunities: Project AWARE, Mental Health Awareness (MHAT) and Trauma-Informed Support Services (TISS).

These federal grants provide funding to expand access to vital mental health and substance use programs, including Mental Health First Aid.

Celebrating 5 Million Trained in Mental Health First Aid

The National Council brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States in 2008 with big plans: To help as many people as possible recognize when someone is having a mental health or substance use crisis.

Research and evidence show that Mental Health First Aid improves mental health literacy, supports early identification of mental health challenges and increases the likelihood of helping someone in distress.

Every person trained represents another opportunity to change a life, strengthen a community and move us closer to a future where mental wellbeing is a reality for everyone, everywhere. Mental wellbeing is a state of thriving. It is the foundation of living a strong, healthy and fulfilling life. We believe that mental wellbeing is achievable for everyone—including individuals living with or recovering from a mental health or substance use challenge.

Expanding Mental Health Training: Opportunities for Growth

We stand at a pivotal moment in behavioral health. A moment defined not only by the weight of the challenges before us, but by the extraordinary potential of what lies ahead.

The National Council exists because every person in this country deserves access to high-quality mental health and substance use care, with no exceptions. That belief has never wavered. In a time when our field faces real and serious headwinds, it is that belief that propels us forward, and these new funding opportunities can help us continue moving forward.

The SAMHSA grants give applicants an opportunity to invest in proven mental health education and early intervention strategies that can build empathy, improve access to care and lead to better outcomes for people in communities across the country, Tramaine EL-Amin, vice president of Mental Health First Aid at the National Council told me.

Deadlines are fast approaching. Here are the details:

Trauma-Informed Support Services Grant Opportunity (TISS)

Available Funding: $5,985,928
Deadline: July 16, 2026

TISS increases student access to evidence-based trauma support services and mental health care by developing innovative initiatives, activities, and programs to link local school systems with local trauma-informed support and mental health systems.

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)

Available Funding: $55,768,191
Deadline: July 27, 2026

Among the three funding opportunities, this is the biggest pool of funding available. Project AWARE supports the development of sustainable, school-based mental health infrastructure through partnerships among education leaders, mental health providers, community organizations, families and youth. According to SAMHSA, Project AWARE has helped nearly 1.4 million mental health professionals, first responders, teachers, school staff, administrators, families and community members participate in mental health-related training.

Mental Health Awareness Training Grants (MHAT)

Available Funding: $22,045,665
Deadline: July 27, 2026

Training through the MHAT program prepares individuals and communities to respond appropriately and safely to persons with mental health challenges by providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, confidence and resources to engage with someone experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. According to SAMHSA, MHAT helped more than 1.2 million people receive training from 2018-23.

Continuing Mental Health First Aid Progress: Next Steps and Resources

I’m so proud that we’ve trained 5 million First Aiders, and we now have an opportunity to increase the number of people able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use crisis.

Project AWARE, MHAT and TISS are investments in communities. So, please take advantage of these funding opportunities. The National Council has free resources available to support organizations with their grant applications.

And please share this column so others can stay informed about these grants that support efforts to educate and raise awareness about mental health and substance use treatment and care.