SAMHSA Project LAUNCH Grant Opportunity

The cross-site evaluation of the 2008 and 2009 cohorts suggests that providing grants to the State/Territorial level enables positive policy and infrastructure improvements that would not occur if the cooperative agreements are provided directly to localities. This analysis also suggests that these cohorts have implemented successful place-based projects, alleviating concerns that providing grants to the State level could negatively impact the implementation of local projects. Tribal applicants should choose the appropriate agency to administer this program, providing justification based on the ability of that agency to coordinate between services systems.

Tribal organization means the recognized body of any AI/AN Tribe; any legally established organization of American Indians/Alaska Natives which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of American Indians/Alaska Natives in all phases of its activities. Consortia of federally-recognized Tribes or tribal organizations are eligible to apply, but each participating entity must indicate its approval. Consortia of Tribes are expected to identify a lead applicant.

In an effort to increase the number of federally-recognized Tribes receiving grant funds for this program, five points will be assigned to federally-recognized Tribal applicants, see Evaluation Review Information – Section F. Please see Appendix M of this RFA for additional Tribal guidance.

Project LAUNCH is grounded in the public health approach, working towards coordinated programs that take a comprehensive view of health, addressing the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and behavioral aspects of well-being. The public health approach addresses the health needs of the population rather than only addressing the health problems of individuals. Project LAUNCH seeks to improve outcomes at the individual and community levels by addressing risk factors that can lead to negative outcomes. Project LAUNCH simultaneously promotes protective factors that support resilience and healthy development which can protect individuals from later social, emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral problems; including early substance and alcohol use. A major objective of this grant program is to strengthen and enhance the partnership between health and mental health at the federal, State/Territorial/Tribal, and local levels. Project LAUNCH seeks to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities through this program by encouraging the implemention of strategies to decrease the differences in access, service use, and outcomes among the racial and ethnic minority young children and families served.

SAMHSA has demonstrated that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover from mental and substance use disorders. SAMHSA has identified eight Strategic Initiatives to focus the Agency’s work on people and emerging opportunities. More information is available at the SAMHSA website: http://www.samhsa.gov/About/strategy.aspx. Project LAUNCH is part of the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness strategic initiative, which aims to support communities where individuals, families, schools, faith-based organizations, and workplaces take action to promote emotional health and reduce the likelihood of mental illness, substance abuse including tobacco, and suicide. This Initiative will include a focus on the Nation’s high-risk youth, youth in Tribal communities, and military families.

Project LAUNCH cooperative agreements are authorized under Section 520A of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. This announcement addresses Healthy People 2020 Mental Health and Mental Disorders Topic Area HP 2020-MHMD.

States, Territories, and Tribes will select a local pilot community within the larger jurisdiction to be a partner in Project LAUNCH. States, Territories, and Tribes will bring together child-serving organizations to develop policies, financial mechanisms and other reforms to improve the integration and efficiency of the child-serving system.