Screening Treatment for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (MMHSUD)

The Screening and Treatment for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (MMHSUD) program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This federal initiative is designed to address critical gaps in maternal mental health and substance use disorder care across the United States. The program reflects HRSA’s broader mission to improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on pregnant and postpartum women, particularly those in rural, tribal, and medically underserved communities. The primary purpose of the MMHSUD program is to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers—especially obstetric, primary care, and maternal health professionals—to effectively screen, assess, treat, and refer patients experiencing mental health and substance use conditions during and after pregnancy. The program supports the development or expansion of statewide or regional teleconsultation programs that provide real-time access to psychiatric expertise, training, and care coordination. These services are intended to reduce barriers to care, improve early detection of conditions such as depression and anxiety, and ultimately reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Funding under this opportunity is provided through cooperative agreements, with a total of approximately $1.4 million available for fiscal year 2026 and an expected two awards. Each award may provide up to $700,000 over a two-year period of performance, running from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2028. Recipients are required to contribute a non-federal cost share of no less than 10 percent of total project costs annually. Funds may be used to support personnel, teleconsultation infrastructure, provider training, development of referral systems, and outreach activities, but must comply with federal cost principles and restrictions. Eligibility for this program is limited to domestic public entities, specifically state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and tribal organizations. Individuals and private entities are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to implement or expand a maternal mental health access program, including establishing multidisciplinary teams that include psychiatric expertise and care coordination. The program also requires collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations to expand reach and effectiveness. The application process is conducted through Grants.gov and requires submission of a comprehensive proposal package. This includes a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, staffing plan, work plan, organizational chart, and supporting documentation such as agreements with partner organizations. Applicants must also complete several standard federal forms, including SF-424 and SF-424A. The application narrative must address key evaluation criteria such as need, response, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Applications are reviewed through a merit-based process with a total possible score of 100 points, and additional priority points may be awarded for meeting specific program priorities. The application deadline for this opportunity is July 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with the notice of funding opportunity issued on June 17, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with project activities beginning September 30, 2026. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring, though similar funding opportunities have been issued in prior years, suggesting potential future cycles. Applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars and review technical assistance materials provided by HRSA to strengthen their submissions. Program evaluation focuses on measurable outcomes such as the number of providers engaged, number of consultations conducted, and improvements in screening and treatment practices. Recipients must report performance data through HRSA’s Discretionary Grant Information System (DGIS) and participate in ongoing evaluation and technical assistance activities. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, collaboration, and continuous quality improvement to ensure meaningful and sustainable impacts on maternal health outcomes.

Align proposal with merit review criteria including clear need, strong partnerships, measurable outcomes, and detailed work plan; emphasize rural and underserved impact; ensure compliance with cost sharing and reporting requirements