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Ivey puts $7M towards mental health programs

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday awarded a total of $7 million to aid mental healthcare programs that serve the state.

The money will be split across two programs, with $6 million going to community health provider agencies and $1 million for the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s (ADMH) Crisis and Recovery Services program.

The funds come from the $1.9 billion pool of money the state was awarded as part of the CARES Act, a massive stimulus bill passed by Congress in March to help stave off the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has taken a toll on Alabamians in many ways, and that certainly includes their mental health,” Ivey said in a statement.

ADMH will be in charge of distributing the $6 million to the various community providers around the state. The governor’s office says nearly 300 agencies will be eligible, such as those who provide “essential services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities.”

“We are deeply grateful for Governor Ivey’s support of community providers and Alabamians with mental illness, substance use disorder and intellectual/developmental disabilities who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” ADMH Commissioner Lynn Beshear remarked in a release.

The Crisis Recovery Services program at ADMH will use the $1 million to create a crisis hotline that can be accessed via the internet or through a toll-free phone line. The line will be staffed with crisis specialists who can determine the appropriate action to take amidst a crisis.

“Like people around the globe, the people of our state are suffering, and I remain committed to providing the necessary support to get our state and her people back on our feet,” the governor added.

“These funds will go to support important mental health services that Alabamians are seeking in these difficult times. I am pleased to see the CARES Act funds continually being put to work for the people of Alabama,” she concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95

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