HHS Allocates Over $42 Million to States and Territories to Promote 'Treatment First'

Overview

On September 18, 2026, SAMHSA announced $42.3 million in funding to states and territories to support the 'Treatment First' approach aimed at addressing homelessness and addiction.

Background

The 'Treatment First' model emphasizes the integration of treatment and recovery services with housing solutions to address homelessness and addiction.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• SAMHSA allocated $42.3 million to promote the 'Treatment First' approach.
• Funding includes $17.3 million for Community Mental Health Services Block Grant recipients.
• Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant recipients received $25 million to enhance sober housing capacity.
• The initiative aims to connect individuals with serious mental illness and addiction to effective treatment and recovery supports.
• Investments will support partnerships, data systems, and workforce capacity to improve treatment engagement and recovery outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the funding opportunities available to enhance treatment and recovery services for individuals facing homelessness and addiction.

Conclusion

The allocation of funds under the 'Treatment First' model aims to address the issues of homelessness and addiction through a coordinated approach focused on treatment and recovery.

Related Resources & Content

1. United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS and HUD Promote 'Treatment First' Strategies to Tackle Homelessness, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Issues
2. United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS Allocates More Than $96 Million to Enhance Services for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Substance Use Disorders
3. United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS Unveils Major Funding Initiative to Enhance Health Center Program, Increasing Primary Care Access for Nearly 1 Million Americans
4. United States Department of Health and Human Services — Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness
5. HHS & HUD Advance Trump Administration ‘Treatment First’ Policies to Address Homelessness, Addiction & Mental Illness | HHS.gov
6. National Drug Control Strategy (2026)
7. A wide array of supportive services is therefore foundational to addressing behavioral health challenges and reducing associated homelessness. The SAMHSA/HUD/ONDCP *Best Practices Toolkit* details the practices commonly employed by leading experts in the country.63 The experts who informed the toolkit agreed on a set of core program elements including “self-sufficiency as the central goal,” “structure and routine,” “learning and skill building,” “individualized care planning,” and “understanding employment readiness as a mechanism for building self-esteem and self-efficacy.” The toolkit identifies a series of services phased by levels of readiness from “crisis” to “thriving,” including healthcare, crisis stabilization, inpatient and outpatient treatment, community recovery support services, housing options, employment support, education, transportation, case management, and legal services.
8. Improving Housing Stability for People With Behavioral Health Needs Through the CCBHC Model | SAMHSA Library
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10. Best Practices for Hospital-Based Initiation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: A Consensus Statement - PubMed
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