Sens. Sinema, Kelly address mental health and substance abuse

$70M expected to come from American Rescue Plan Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced Friday that 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 abuse in Arizona.

"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,” shares Sen. Sinema.

This funding is being awarded as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the most recent COVID-19 relief law both Senators supported. These federal funds were awarded through the Mental Health Services Block Grant Program (MHSBGP) and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SAPTBGP).

"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," says Sen. Kelly.    

The MHSBGP 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 SAPTBGP 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 SAPTBGP, was awarded $32,725,106.