Congressman Kildee Announces New Federal Funding for Local Mental Health Services

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced new federal funding to support mental health care services in Genesee County.

The federal grants, totaling $1,568,523 to two local organizations, are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding, secured by Kildee, will help local mental health organizations improve access to comprehensive mental health care services, increase outreach program capacity and address the link between substance use disorders and mental illness.

Awarded organizations include:

• Genesee Health System:
  • $518,523 to support a clinic providing comprehensive services for both mental health and substance abuse.
  • $1,000,000 to expand capacity for children's mental and physical health services at a new state-of-the-art facility.
• Genesee County Prevention Coalition:
  • $50,000 to support community-based prevention strategies, including the implementation and development of a prevention campaign and community events to address underage drinking.

"Every Michigander deserves access to quality, affordable health care, including mental health care. I am proud to secure this federal funding to support mental health care services in our community," said Congressman Dan Kildee. "I will continue working in Congress to support our local health providers so families, children, and seniors can access high-quality, affordable care."

"We are grateful to our elected officials and the Department of Health and Human Services, who continue to keep the mental health of our community at the forefront. Our community is lucky to have Congressman Kildee fighting for our residents. These monies will allow Genesee Health System to expand services to children and families through our new state-of-facility. The additional funding provided for services allows us to expand behavioral health treatment to the community's underserved populations," said Dan Russell, CEO, Genesee Health System.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to receive funding under the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP) Grant and for the support of Congressman Kildee to expand our prevention efforts and develop new partnerships with law enforcement, schools, youth and parents to promote positive youth development," said Lisa Fockler, Executive Director, Genesee County Prevention Coalition.

Kildee recently secured funding for the Greater Flint Health Coalition to help improve mental health crisis prevention and treatment. He also helped pass comprehensive bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would improve existing federal programs providing mental health care services for children, adults and veterans in mid-Michigan and nationwide.