42 U.S.C. § 290bb–37 — Mental health crisis response partnership pilot program

(a) In general The Secretary must establish a pilot program awarding competitive grants to states, localities, territories, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations, to establish new or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams that divert mental health and substance use disorder crisis response from law enforcement to mobile crisis teams, as described in subsection (b). (b) Mobile crisis teams described A mobile crisis team is a team of individuals: (1) available to respond to people in mental health and substance use disorder crises, providing immediate stabilization, referrals to community-based mental health and substance use services and supports, and triage to a higher level of care if medically necessary; (2) which may include licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, peer support specialists, or other qualified individuals; and (3) which may help divert mental health and substance use disorder crisis calls from the 9-1-1 system to the 9-8-8 system. (c) Priority In awarding grants, the Secretary must prioritize applications that address the specific needs of the communities served, including children and families, veterans, rural and underserved populations, and other groups at increased risk of death from suicide or overdose. (d) Report (1) By September 30, 2024, the Secretary must report to Congress on steps states, localities, territories, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations took before December 29, 2022 to strengthen partnerships among mental health providers, substance use disorder treatment providers, primary care physicians, mental health and substance use crisis teams, paramedics, law enforcement, and other first responders. (2) Starting 1 year after the first grant is awarded, and every year after, the Secretary must report to Congress on that year's grants, covering: (A) impact data on the teams and people served, including demographics, volume, and types of service use; (B) outcomes, including links made to community-based resources or short-term crisis facilities and diversion from law enforcement or emergency departments; (C) data consistent with state block grant requirements for ongoing evaluation and quality improvement, plus other data the Secretary finds relevant; (D) identified best practices, and recommendations where appropriate, from states and localities running mobile crisis response and stabilization services for youth and adults; and (E) opportunities to improve the program. (e) Authorization of appropriations $10,000,000 per year is authorized for fiscal years 2023 through 2027.