Sewell announces funding for mental health, drug treatment in Black Belt, Jefferson County | News

Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) has announced a 1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand drug and mental health treatment in the Black Belt and Jefferson County. 

The recipients were the Rural Health Medical Program in Selma and Alabama Regional Medical Services (ARMS) in Birmingham, each being granted $600,000. 

“When our most vulnerable Alabamians are in need of care, it is the amazing health care professionals at our Community Health Centers who stand in the gap,” said Sewell.

“I am thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration is working to expand mental health and substance use treatments for the patients that these facilities serve. These awards represent a critical step forward in our fight against the mental health and opioid crises.”

The funding comes from a $240 million investment by the Biden-Harris Administration to address behavioral health throughout the United States. 

“I want to thank the Health and Human Services 330 Grant Branch for allowing us the opportunity to receive this funding,” said Rural Health Medical Program CEO Keshee Dozier-Smith.

“I also want to thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell for continuing to support our efforts within her district. We know she fights every day for health equity and other needed resources in our community and we know through her support and others who represent the State of Alabama this funding was made available for us to expand these services.”