Virginia to provide micro-grants to help with Behavioral Health Disorders 

Qualifying faith-based organizations and community organizations will soon be able to apply for micro-grants from the Commonwealth of Virginia to improve access to mental health support and address the opioid crisis.A total of nearly $800,000 has been set aside for community organizations to apply for a grant to provide training and direct care for people in their communities who are struggling with behavioral health issues.The grants will be available in amounts up to $15,000.

Qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The grants may be used to fund non-religious activities and programs that provide training for faith-based and other 501(c)3 organizations to better support people with mental illness and address substance use issues.  All grantees are to collect and report data on the effectiveness of their programs.

Through DBHDS, free trainings for Virginians are already available for Mental Health First Aid and a suicide prevention program, ASSIST.  With micro-grant funding, organizations may be able to expand training opportunities for faith-based organizations to better serve people, families and communities in need of behavioral health assistance.

For details about grants and other resources, visit https://www.hhr.virginia.gov/behavioral-health/.