Governor Sanders Announces $15 Million in Grants for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Infrastructure
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), unveiled a significant $15 million funding initiative today aimed at improving infrastructure for individuals with substance use disorders, mental illnesses, or intellectual disabilities. These grants are set to enhance Medicaid treatment services across community-based settings statewide.
“Vulnerable Arkansans need help – and they deserve to receive that help in modern, well-functioning facilities,” said Governor Sanders. She added that these grants are part of their administration’s commitment to supporting our most at-risk citizens and ensuring a continuity of care that assists Arkansans at every stage of their lives.
DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam emphasized the impact of the funding: “The awards will expand services and strengthen the continuum of care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities. Putnam stated that they are eager to see these investments transform into tangible services that address coverage gaps and positively impact the lives of Arkansans in need.”
The funding program will also include grants for Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment and Supported Housing Units for Young Adults later this summer.
Here is a breakdown of the grants awarded:
Supported Housing Units for Young Adults Grant:– Rainbow of Challenges, Inc., Hope: $3 million for constructing an apartment complex to house youth with behavioral health challenges who have transitioned from group homes or other services.
Community Reintegration for Children Grant:– Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Fort Smith: $4 million for new family home environments to provide step-down support from high-cost, restrictive settings.
United Methodist Children’s Home, Little Rock: $1 million for similar family home environment support.
Adult Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities Grant:– Harbor House, Fort Smith: $1,842,004 for facility improvements to support 30- to 60-day treatment programs.
ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness, Russellville: $2,157,996 for upgrades to existing treatment facilities.
Therapeutic Communities for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grant: – ARISA Health, Jonesboro: $3 million to create a 16-bed therapeutic community providing step-down support from high-cost, in-patient psychiatric care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health diagnoses.
