Cooperative Agreements For HIV/AIDS Related Mental Health Services In Minority Communities
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to enhance and expand the provision of effective, culturally competent HIV/AIDS-related mental health services in minority communities for persons living with HIV/AIDS and having a mental health need. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that of the 400,000 persons living with AIDS, 250,000 cases are among people of color (CDC, 2003).
As the incidence of HIV/AIDS increases among people of color, the need for mental health treatment goes up as well. Psychiatric/psychological/psychosocial/neuropsychiatric complications frequently are not diagnosed or addressed either at the time of diagnosis or through the course of the HIV/AIDS disease process. When untreated, these complications are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, impaired quality of life, and numerous medical and/or behavioral challenges, such as non-adherence with the treatment regimen. To date, HIV/AIDS services have not always addressed HIV/AIDS related mental health treatment needs. Mental health services often are not accessible to persons living with HIV/AIDS. When it is available, mental health care may not be coordinated and integrated into an array of comprehensive services.
The projects to be supported in this program are to have experience providing culturally competent mental health services in their respective communities, and will develop and implement HIV-related mental health treatment services that meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in that community. All applicants must target one or more of the following populations: African Americans, Latinos(as), Native Americans (non-reservation), Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and/or other racial/ethnic minority communities. SAMHSA intends that its Services Grants result in the delivery of services as soon as possible and no later than 4 months after award. HIV/AIDS related mental health services grants are authorized under Section 520(A) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. This announcement addresses Healthy People 2010 focus area 18 (Mental Health). The closing date for applications is May 1, 2006.
Eligible applicants are domestic public and private nonprofit entities. For example federally recognized tribes; State recognized tribes, urban Indian organizations (as defined in P.L. 94-437, as amended); public or private universities and colleges; community- and faith-based organizations; and tribal organizations may apply. Because only direct mental health service providers may apply, States and local governments are not eligible. The statutory authority for this program prohibits grants to for-profit organizations.