Section 6A:16GG - [Effective 11/21/2024] Grants to address mental health conditions and substance use disorders for perinatal individuals(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise: "Eligible entity", a non-profit or community-based organization or health center serving perinatal individuals including, but not limited to:
(i) a recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization; (ii) an organization serving individuals from medically underserved populations and other underserved populations; and (iii) a public health agency, including a municipal public health department."Medically underserved populations", a historically underserved population or a population within a geographic area with a lack of access to primary care, behavioral health or perinatal healthcare providers or have a high infant mortality, high poverty or high elderly population, as determined by the secretary.
"Perinatal health outcomes", health outcomes related to perinatal individuals.
"Perinatal individual", an individual that:
(i) is either pregnant or is within 12 months from the date of giving birth; (ii) is a biological parent or an adoptive or foster parent who is within 12 months from assuming custodial care of a child; or (iii) has lost a pregnancy due to a stillbirth, miscarriage or a medical termination within the previous 12 months. "Secretary", the secretary of health and human services.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the secretary shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities to address mental health conditions and substance use disorders for perinatal individuals.(c) The secretary shall promulgate regulations and guidelines as necessary to develop and implement the grant application process and eligible uses of grant funds pursuant to this section.(d) The secretary shall give preference to eligible entities that: (i) are community-based organizations or entities partnering with community-based organizations to address mental health conditions or substance use disorders in perinatal individuals; and(ii) operate in areas with high rates of adverse perinatal health outcomes or significant disparities in perinatal health outcomes, as determined by the secretary.(e) An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use funds for establishing or expanding programs that improve or address mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorders for perinatal individuals with a focus on perinatal individuals from medically underserved populations.(f) The secretary shall provide, directly or by contract, technical assistance to eligible entities seeking a grant or receiving a grant under this section for the development, use, evaluation and post-grant period sustainability of the program proposed, established or expanded through the grant. The secretary shall advertise or promote such technical assistance to eligible entities to raise awareness about the grants and technical assistance.(g) The secretary shall promulgate regulations as necessary to implement subsection (f) and for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, delineated by demographic information, on the activities conducted and individuals served pursuant to such grants.Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 6A, § 6A:16GG
Added by Acts 2024, c. 186,§ 1, eff. 11/21/2024.