State Pilot Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

The State Pilot Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW-PLT) is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA’s mission focuses on improving behavioral health outcomes across the nation, and this program specifically targets the intersection of substance use disorders and maternal mental health. Authorized under the Public Health Service Act, the program reflects a federal priority to address maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among populations affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. The purpose of this grant is to strengthen and expand state-level systems that deliver integrated, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and maternal mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The program emphasizes non-residential, community-based care models and seeks to improve outcomes through comprehensive screening, coordinated treatment, recovery support services, and workforce development. It prioritizes individuals with primary diagnoses of substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, and communities disproportionately affected by adverse maternal health outcomes. The program also promotes a family-centered approach, recognizing the importance of supporting infants and broader family units. Funding supports a wide range of required activities, including family-centered treatment services, outreach and engagement strategies, safety and family strengthening efforts, statewide planning and coordination, and recovery support services such as childcare, transportation, and employment assistance. Applicants must implement trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, ensure access to prenatal and postpartum care, provide overdose prevention services, and coordinate with healthcare and social service systems. Allowable activities include workforce training, infectious disease screening, and housing coordination. However, funds are subject to strict federal limitations, including prohibitions on certain activities such as harm reduction initiatives as defined by SAMHSA policy and the purchase of certain medications. Eligibility for this program is limited to Single State Agencies (SSAs) for Substance Use, including those in U.S. states and territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior recipients under a previous funding cycle are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate experience, credentialing, and partnerships with qualified service providers, including documentation of at least two years of relevant service delivery and compliance with licensing requirements. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant, which lowers the financial barrier to participation. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and eRA Commons, and applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and related systems. The application package includes a project narrative, budget narrative, abstract, and multiple required attachments such as letters of commitment, data collection instruments, and a project timeline. The project narrative is limited to ten pages and must address evaluation criteria including population need, implementation approach, evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection methods. Applications undergo an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit-based peer review process. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by September 1, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. The period of performance is up to three years, with annual continuation contingent on progress and compliance. Funded recipients must begin service delivery within four months of award and participate in ongoing reporting, evaluation, and technical assistance activities, including data submission through SAMHSA’s reporting systems. SAMHSA provides multiple points of contact for applicants, including programmatic, financial, and review-related inquiries, each with dedicated staff and contact information. While the program does not explicitly state recurrence, it is part of a broader federal initiative that may be reissued in future fiscal years depending on appropriations and policy priorities. Overall, the PPW-PLT program represents a comprehensive federal investment in improving maternal and behavioral health outcomes through coordinated, evidence-based state systems.

Align proposal with SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly demonstrate need with data; ensure strong partnerships and documented experience; follow formatting and page limits strictly