Nonprofits awarded $8.5M to expand mental health services
Oakland County residents will benefit from approximately $8.5 million in grant funding courtesy of the American Rescue Plan.
The Oakland Together Mental Health and Wellbeing grants were announced recently. The county says they are a response “to the acute mental health challenges faced by many during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Commissioner Penny Luebs were joined Monday morning by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Oakland Family Services, Centro Multicultural La Familia, and CNS Healthcare at the Pontiac office of Oakland Family Services.
Oakland Family Services, Centro Multicultural La Familia and CNS Healthcare are three of the 42 nonprofit organizations benefiting from funding.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit us in March 2020, we knew that there were significant challenges to providing mental health services to residents facing crisis,” Coulter said. “So, I’m thrilled that we’re getting these critical resources from the American Rescue Plan to providers of mental and behavioral health care services.
“Mental health should be treated like physical health, and no one should be embarrassed or ashamed to get the help they need in these unprecedented times.”
There are three grant levels: operational grants from $50,000-$100,000; expansion grants from $100,001$250,000; and community grants from $250,0001$500,000. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is administering grants on behalf of the county.
In excess of $1.2 million will be additionally shared with “high performers” among the 42 nonprofits.
“Mental health services are a basic need that everyone should have access to,” said Darienne Hudson, president & CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “While lack of access was a problem even before the pandemic hit our region, the need has been amplified as we all continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19.”
Oakland Family Services is celebrating 100 years of providing prevention, education and treatment programs. The organization will use grant funding to support and stabilize staffing in its Day One program, which provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
“This grant will help us face this challenging time of staff shortages and wage pressures, resulting in continuity of care for those in the community who need us most.” said Jaimie Clayton, Oakland Family Services president and CEO.
The mission of Centro Multicultural La Familia is to provide cultural and linguistically competent services in areas of mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting programs, advocacy and community partnerships — all done with a holistic approach.
“Access to needed mental health services can be life saving for those of whom English is not their first language, and our staff and clients are deeply grateful for this funding opportunity,” said Sonia Acosta, president and CEO of Centro Multicultural La Familia.
CNS Healthcare offers broad community-based mental health services, including psychiatry, group and individual therapy, substance use disorder services, and case management, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
They will utilize funding to expand telehealth services, specifically, towards patients’ access to mental health treatments by providing prepaid smartphone devices capable of audio and video communication.
“An investment in the community and its wellbeing is always a positive move,” said Michael Garrett, CEO of CNS Healthcare.