WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award over $71 million to address mental health and substance use in Arizona. This funding is being awarded as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the most recent COVID-19 relief law both Senators supported.
“Arizonans struggling with mental health and substance abuse are not alone, and these critical resources will help ensure Arizonans receive the support needed to recover,” said Sinema.
“As Arizonans grapple with the social and economic effects of this pandemic, access to mental health care and community resources is more critical than ever. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding, which will go a long way in serving Arizonans who are struggling,” said Kelly.
These federal funds were awarded through the Mental Health Services Block Grant Program and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program. The Mental Health Services Block Grant Program enables Arizona to provide comprehensive community mental health services and address needs and gaps in existing treatment services for those with serious mental illness. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program allows Arizona to plan, implement, and evaluate activities to prevent, treat, and help more Arizonans recover from substance use disorder.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, through the Mental Health Services Block Grant, was awarded $39,229,067, and the Arizona Department of Health Services, through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program was awarded $32,725,106.
