The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its Request for Applications (RFA) related to $15 million in new funding for communities to offer Mental Health First Aid. On April 29, the National Council held a webinar to brief interested individuals and entities about the details of this funding announcement.

The webinar provided an overview of opportunities presented by this funding for existing Mental Health First Aid Instructors and community agencies to work with education agencies to offer the program in their communities. Attendees received information on what resources the National Council has developed that can make their application and partnership process easier, including:

• The funding intent and requirements of the RFAs
• What opportunities Mental Health First Aid instructors and behavioral health organizations have to partner with local and state educational agencies
• Resources available to applicants from Mental Health First Aid USA

Visit our website to listen to the recording and view the slides from this webinar. Applications for the RFA are due to SAMHSA on June 16, 2014.