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​​Alaska Behavioral Health Planning Council

Combined Community Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) and the Substance Use Prevention Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS)​

The Combined Community Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) and Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) Block Grant provide vital federal funding to support and enhance community-based mental health and substance use services across Alaska. The Alaska Mental Health Board and Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (AMHB/ABADA) serve as the state's planning council, tasked with reviewing the block grant application, advocating for individuals with behavioral health challenges, and evaluating services statewide.​

Alaska State Planning Council Review of Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Combined Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan

AMHB and ABADA review the state's Combined Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) and S​ubstance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) application. This review ensures that state funding aligns with community needs and federal requirements to improve mental health and substance use services in Alaska. The Boards provide feedback to ensure the voices of Alaskans are represented in the planning and allocation of these crucial resources. Click here​ to learn more about our review and recommendations. 

Flow and distribution of MHBG and SUPTRS funds​

Flow chart showing the distribution of MHBG and SUPTRS funds from the federal level to local community behavioral health provide

Federal agency: 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

State agency: 

Alaska Department of Health (DOH). DOH submits a combined application for the MHBG and SUPTRS to demonstrate statutory and regulatory compliance for the noncompetitive grant. Funding passes upon award from SAMHSA to DOH. 

Distributed through grants

Local agencies: Multiple community behavioral health providers. DOH utilizes MHBG and SUPTRS funds in braided funding streams to support behavioral health service providers and programs on the local level. This funding is generally distributed through a competitive grant process.​

Learn more

• AMHB/ABADA has a Block Grant Subcommittee, and meetings are open to the public to attend. To learn more and get notifications of upcoming meetings, visit http://notice.alaska.gov

• Information on the MHBG and SUPTRS can be found here: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants

• Information on a planning council’s roles and responsibilities can be found here: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/planning-council-introductory-manual.pdf

​Timeline

The Combined Community Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) and the Substance Use, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) follow an annual timeline (depicted below).

 MHBG Timeline.png

First week of July: 

The combined MHBG and SUPTRS application opens. ​

Mid July: 

AMHB/ABADA hosts a virtual public meeting on the Combined Block Grant. Public comment can be submitted in writing or virtually during the meeting.​

First week of September: 

The Combined MHBG and SUPTRS application is due to SAMHSA. Included with the Department of Health’s application is a letter from AMHB/ABADA outlining their review and recommendations.

December: 

Annual progress reports are due to SAMHSA. 

Alaska’s reports and applications can be accessed by visiting: 

Website: https://bgas.samhsa.gov/​

Username: citizenak

Password: citizen

We want to hear from you!

• Provider Survey on the MHBG and SUPTRS: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/988SFM3

• Provide public comment to the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health on the Combined MHBG and SUPTRS application: https://health.alaska.gov/dbh/Pages/news/SAMSHA.aspx

• Provide public comment to AMHB/ABADA: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ABADA124​


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