Advocacy Alert: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $74.4 Million in Funding Opportunities to Improve Behavioral Health
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced notices of funding opportunities this week for grant programs that address behavioral health challenges in local communities by preventing substance use initiation, reducing the progression of substance use, and addressing other related concerns. The grant opportunities total about $74.4 million. They are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's priorities to beat the overdose epidemic and tackle the mental health crisis – two key pillars of the President's Unity Agenda for the nation.
By supporting the development and delivery of community-based behavioral health services, we promote positive outcomes and advance health equity. This funding emphasizes the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to providing the resources our local communities need — HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
Read the full press release here on the grant that was announced.
Social Determinants of Health
White House Publishes Resources on Social Determinants of Health
The Biden-Harris Administration published a set of resources to support federal agencies and local, state, and tribal governments to increase coordination of social determinants of health. These resources include the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health, a Call to Action to Address Health Related Social Needs from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and a Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health-Related Social Needs Framework. To read more, click here.
Federal Policy
National Council Creates Template for CMS Comments on Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity in Medicaid
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking public comments on the processes for assessing compliance with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) parity requirements in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans. CMS is soliciting comments on whether existing policies for mental health and SUD are comparable to medical and surgical benefits, identifying potential parity violations, and assessing the prevalence of certain conditions and disorders. To help, the National Council has created a comment template. Fill in the placeholders with basic information about your organization. Comments must be submitted to MedicaidandCHIP-Parity@cms.hhs.gov by December 4. To read more about the CMS request for comments, click here. (Source: National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
Michigan Medicaid Bulletins
Effective January 1, 2024, MDHHS is changing the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) cost-sharing and healthy behaviors for beneficiaries. Enrolled beneficiaries in the Healthy Michigan Plan will not experience any disruptions in their care or reductions in their benefits. Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-71 discusses Healthy Michigan Plan Program Changes, issued on November 30, 2023. Final Bulletin MMP 23-71-HMP.pdf.
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-67 discusses skilled maintenance therapy, which was issued on December 1, 2023. Final Bulletin MMP 23-67-Therapy.pdf
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-61 discusses Coverage of Office Based Substance Use Treatment (OBSUT) Services and is issued on December 1, 2023. Final Bulletin MMP 23-61-OBSUT.pdf
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-74 discusses Medicaid Coverage of Community Health Worker (CHW)/Community Health Representative (CHR) Services and is issued on December 1, 2023. Final Bulletin MMP 23-74-CHW.pdf
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-69 discusses Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) and is issued on December 1, 2023. Final Bulletin MMP 23-69-PRTF.pdf
Providers with further questions contact Provider Support at 1-800-292-2550 or by email at ProviderSupport@Michigan.gov
What else am I reading?
From ‘menty b’ to ‘grippy socks,’ internet slang is taking over how we talk about mental health. See the story on CNN.
Did you see this Wall Street article on Increased Suicide Rates?
Here is some local news…
Ten16 Recovery Network expands substance use treatment across Central Michigan. Midland Daily News
New Journey Clubhouse offers reprieve for those living with mental illness. Herald Review (Big Rapids)
Four mental health care solutions happening in Southwest Michigan. MLIVE
*Disclaimer: The SWMJC is a previous client of North Coast Strategies.
Why a Kalamazoo nonprofit is ending subminimum wages for workers with disabilities. Second Wave Media
Michigan’s community mental health agencies work hard to prevent youth suicide. Rapid Growth
Political Events
Tuesday, December 5th Speaker Joe Tate & MI House Democrats -Mingle & Jingle Fundraiser, Time: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm, Midtown Brewing Co., 402 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933, $500 / $1,500 / $2,500 / $5,000 / $10,000/ $20,000 / $48,875. Checks Payable to Michigan House Democratic Fund, PO Box 16193, Lansing, MI 48901. Please RSVP to Gabby - gmerditaj@mihousedems.com
Tuesday, December 12th Rep. Natalie Price - Coffee & Scones, Fundraiser, Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am, Michigan Municipal League, 208 N Capitol Ave #1, Lansing, MI 48933. $250 / $500 / $1,000 / $2,500. Checks Payable to: Committee to Elect Natalie Price, 2428 Phillips Ave, Berkley, MI 48072. Please RSVP to: Natalie@VoteNataliePrice.com
Organizational Spotlight
Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health
The Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH) seeks to broaden its work with organizations across Michigan that work with families- from prenatal to six years. This includes Infant Mental Health Training, Reflective Supervision /Consultation, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®. The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Conference is scheduled for May 20-21, 2024, in Kalamazoo.
Event Planning
Registration is Now Open for Kevin's Song 8th Annual Conference on Suicide, Michigan's largest gathering of prevention experts, educators, and advocates, Jan. 25-27, 2024