WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $36 million in federal funding for mental health treatment and research centers throughout New York state through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The senators heralded the news of the funding, saying it comes at a critical time for New Yorkers during the COVID pandemic, which has exacerbated the national mental health crisis.
“No one should have to fight the battle against mental illness alone,” Schumer said.
“As New Yorkers, we are stronger when we are together, and today’s federal funding will work to rally community resources surrounding mental health care and research. Those facing mental health battles need our support now more than ever, and I’m proud to deliver this SAMHSA funding that will bring community support for our most vulnerable residents,” Schumer noted.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened a nationwide mental health crisis,” Gillibrand remarked.
“This federal funding will help ensure that New Yorkers struggling with mental health and addiction have ongoing access to comprehensive, integrated care. I will continue fighting for resources for mental health and addiction treatment centers throughout New York State and make sure that New Yorkers who need care can get it,” Gillibrand added.
In the Capital Region, Behavioral Health Services North Inc. will be allotted $4,999,480 in funds.
The funding comes from the Community Mental Health Block Grant and will help provide necessary mental health resources for communities by supporting mental health research and fortifying mental health and substance abuse treatment services.
Schumer has been a staunch advocate for mental health services in Upstate New York, including for Liberty Resources in Central New York, which received funding today. The senator visited Liberty Resources in 2019 to launch a three-pronged plan to combat the devastating uptick of suicide deaths in Central New York, and wrote a letter of support for the organization earlier this year. Liberty Resources serves Onondaga, Monroe, Oswego and Madison Counties and with the funding announced today, expects to be able to serve an additional 500 community members.
“Liberty Resources is grateful to be the recipient of the Federal Community Mental Health Center Grant to support Mental Health and Substance Abuse services in our communities throughout CNY and Rochester NY,” Carl Coyle, CEO Liberty Resources, Inc. stated.
“My deepest gratitude goes to Senator Schumer for providing the Senate leadership which made these grants available throughout our nation, in response to the significant stress on all Americans due to COVID. With Suicide and overdose rates increasing significantly, this support is critically needed for treatment providers like Liberty Resources in meeting the increased demand for service in our local communities. This Grant will particularly strengthen our service delivery system in the over 48 schools and school Districts where our counselors provide desperately needed services to our youth and their families,” Coyle added.
In April 2021, Sen. Schumer visited Access: Supports for Living Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care to announce the $4 million he secured for the continuation of mental health and substance abuse services in the City of Newburgh. The senator has been a supporter of Access Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Case since the inception of the facility in Dec. 2018, securing $2 million so the facility could open in May of 2019.
Access provides mental health services to Orange, Ulster, and Rockland counties.
