Delaware officials building mental health services fund

Initiative will be community-based

By Tim Mastro
Posted 12/2/21

WILMINGTON — The state is creating a community-based mental health services fund, Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long announced Wednesday, an effort to support the delivery of those resources to Delaware residents.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Delaware officials building mental health services fund

Initiative will be community-based

Posted

WILMINGTON — The state is creating a community-based mental health services fund, Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long announced Wednesday, an effort to support the delivery of those resources to Delaware residents.

The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

The state said the initiative will address mental health challenges caused by or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing community-centered services.

“Now more than ever, we know the importance of providing access to quality mental health services for Delawareans in need,” Gov. Carney said in a statement. “This community-based mental health services fund will help community health care providers, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions provide those services, and strengthen the communities they serve. Thank you to members of our federal delegation and President Joe Biden for providing these important resources.”

Nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups and for-profit providers that offer community mental health services in Delaware may apply for the new funding.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 6 p.m. Jan. 15 to be considered. Applications are available here.

Applicants should review the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care, which also can be found on the governor’s website.

“This fund provides much needed resources for persons with behavioral health challenges in order to give families access to early intervention and quality treatment to support their loved ones,” Lt. Gov. Hall-Long said in a statement. “As a nurse and chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, I am committed to making Delaware a leader in providing access to quality behavioral health services to truly help people. This investment is a critical support for our healthcare providers, non-profits and faith-based institutions to deliver services and breakdown stigma.

“Thank you to our federal delegation and President Joe Biden for their commitment to get Delawareans the help they deserve, and a behavioral health system that works for everyone.”

Delaware’s congressional delegation, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, as well as Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, all Democrats, also issued a joint statement.

“Access to affordable, quality mental health services should be available to everyone no matter their income or zip code,” the statement read. “Far too often, we focus on the physical symptoms of the pandemic; however, we must not overlook the mental health challenges faced by so many during difficult times. As the pandemic continues to take its toll on our nation and here in Delaware, we are proud of Governor Carney’s commitment to helping all Delawareans get the help that they need.”

More information on how Delaware is investing ARPA funding is available here.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X