The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is announcing its first-ever behavioral health Recovery Innovation Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to identify innovations developed by peer-run or community-based organizations, and entities that may partner with them—such as local or state governments, health systems, hospitals, or health plans—that advance recovery. SAMHSA defines recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
As part of this challenge, participants are encouraged to share details about the practices they are using to advance recovery and demonstrate how these practices have:
The Challenge begins today, and the deadline for submission is July 15, 2022. The judging period takes place from July 15 to August 5; finalists will be announced on August 6. Finalists must give presentations to a panel of judges from September 2-9, 2022; awards will be announced in October 2022. The purse prize is up to $400,000. The competition will offer up to 10 awards, depending on the judges’ overall scores. All submission materials must be submitted through the SAMHSA Recovery Innovation Challenge page on the challenge.gov website. For more information, view SAMHSA’s Recovery Innovation Challenge webpage.
Anyone seeking treatment for mental health or substance use issues should call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
