Background Recognizing the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people with mental health and substance use disorders, as well as service providers, the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration recently released COVID-19 relief funding as a supplement to the Mental Health Block Grant. This funding was appropriated as part of The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) and is designed to assist in the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be available from March 2021 through March 2023. This is one-time funding. The COVID-19 Relief supplemental funding is intended to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) needs and gaps due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted people with mental illness. Public health recommendations, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, these public health recommendations can at the same time negatively impact those with SMI/SED. The COVID-19 pandemic can increase stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation and loneliness, the use of alcohol or illicit substances, and other symptoms of underlying mental illness. Too many people with SMI and SED cannot access the treatment and support that they need, and the pandemic has further disrupted access and care for even greater numbers.