LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas officials are working to bridge the gap and provide support for those in need to combat the ongoing mental health crisis within the state.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, at least 1 in 20 US adults experience serious mental illness each year. That's why state leaders are joining those talks and efforts to create conversations surrounding mental health.
On Friday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Department of Human Services (DHS) awarded 15 million dollars in grants to a handful of organizations to support mental health initiatives.
"We wanted to be able to give funding to our providers to use to build the programs and renovate the programs that we desperately need," DHS Director of Medicaid Specialty Populations Melissa Weatherton said.
Here's a look at the complete list of grants and organizations receiving a part of the funds:
- Community Reintegration for Children
- Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Fort Smith | $4 million
- United Methodist Children’s Home, Little Rock | $1 million
- Adult Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities
- Harbor House, Fort Smith | $1,842,004
- ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness, Russellville | $2,157,996
- Supported Housing Units for Young Adults
- Rainbow of Challenges, Inc., Hope | $3 million
- Therapeutic Communities for Adults with IDD
- ARISA Health, Jonesboro | $3 million
Through the grants provided, each organization will gain the ability to update its infrastructure and provide increased support to individuals battling mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
Stephanie Garner, CEO of ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness in Russellville, said they were thrilled to receive the funds to improve their facilities so they can better serve those in need.
"We do plan to expand our services by offering a medical detox unit, which will allow individuals who are detoxing from opioids or alcohol, a safe space to detox prior to coming into our 30-day residential treatment or detoxing enough to stabilize and be able to return to work and utilize our outpatient services," Garner described.
In addition to partnering with state organizations, the DHS is also turning to other avenues as a way to combat the mental health crisis in Arkansas.
On Monday, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas received a nearly $500,000 grant to assist in training efforts towards mental health awareness at The Academy.
Through the Mental Health First Aid courses, free training is provided to individuals on how to acknowledge mental health in themselves and those around them.
"We've been able to secure the funding to expand and offer this free to people throughout the community here in Arkansas, first responders, to our teachers, to parents, to individuals who are engaging with not only adults but with our students," Goodwill Industries of Arkansas CEO said.
For more information on how you can take part in the many mental health initiatives in Arkansas, click here.