Congresswoman Kaptur Announces $1.8 Million HHS SAMHSA Award for Erie County Health Department
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced a $1.8 Million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) award to the Erie County Health Department from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This will bring $375,000 in funding back to Erie County each year for the next five years to help address behavioral health and mental health needs. This funding follows $2 Million which Rep. Kaptur directed to Erie County last year to help construct and open a new 4,000-square-foot facility for Behavioral Health Transitional Support Housing by the Erie County Health Department.
“As we mark World Mental Health Day this week, it is important to see funding like this coming back home to our communities in Northwest Ohio, including Erie County. In Congress I have long championed availability and expansion of mental health services and have advocated for robust funding while serving on the House Appropriations Committee to expand access to mental health care across our region so our citizens have the resources they need to heal, recover, and thrive,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Studies have shown a significant increase in mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, over the past three years. This HHS funding will help to ensure that our medical providers have access to the support and funding they so desperately need to address behavioral health and mental health needs they face in our communities.”
“This grant will allow enhanced care coordination . . . a vital component of care for those vulnerable populations we serve,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Pete Schade. “Vital community education coupled with a behavioral workforce using robust referral system will certainly unite stakeholders while improving the quality of life for all in our region, for those in treatment and for those in our communities. Erie County Health Department wishes to thank all the supporters of this initiative, and we wish to recognize our Congresswoman who is a leader and champion for the needs of our people.”
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