§ 1665j — Behavioral Health Program

(a) The Secretary, acting through the Service, consistent with section 1665a of this title, may plan, develop, implement, and carry out programs to deliver innovative community-based behavioral health services to Indians. (b) The Secretary may award a grant for a project under subsection (a) to an Indian tribe or tribal organization and may consider the following criteria: (1) The project will address significant unmet behavioral health needs among Indians. (2) The project will serve a significant number of Indians. (3) The project has the potential to deliver services in an efficient and effective manner. (4) The Indian tribe or tribal organization has the administrative and financial capability to administer the project. (5) The project may deliver services in a manner consistent with traditional health care practices. (6) The project is coordinated with, and avoids duplication of, existing services. (c) the Secretary shall, in evaluating project applications or proposals, use the same criteria that the Secretary uses in evaluating any other application or proposal for such funding.