WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the United States continues to face a growing mental health and substance use crisis, the White House has just announced more than $65 million in funding to boost prevention and treatment efforts. This includes $27.5 million dedicated to helping Tribes, state and local governments, and colleges and universities create and deliver substance use prevention programs.
The funding will also go toward supporting children with unmet behavioral health needs, expanding access to care for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and offering specialized training for graduate-level healthcare professionals in substance use disorders.
Additionally, up to $16.6 million will be available to increase access to behavioral health services for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. This funding will also help prevent HIV and substance use in racial and ethnic minority communities.
“We must continue to do everything in our power to help Americans who are struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. By increasing access to treatment and support in many different forms, we continue to strengthen communities nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
As Emily’s Hope previously reported, President Biden has declared the week of August 25 through August 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Week. Emily’s Hope will participate in activities throughout the week, including in Washington D.C., and an International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil in Sioux Falls on Saturday.