MA H4667

Department of Mental Health required to establish a mental health capacity grant program for nonprofit organizations at high risk of hate crimes or serving populations at high risk of hate crimes

Grants fund behavioral health training for staff, supportive programming, mental health first aid training, culturally responsive referral programs, and community education to destigmatize mental health services

Grant distribution must be geographically equitable across Massachusetts and correlate with bias types identified in the annual hate crime report from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Commissioner of Mental Health must file annual reports within 12 months of first grant distribution detailing applications received, grants awarded, dollar amounts, grantee missions, programming supported, and regional fund distribution

Program implementation subject to appropriation; Department must promulgate regulations for grantmaking