LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas has been awarded $1.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help integrate mental health and substance use disorder treatment into primary care.
This funding will be used to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder services at three community health centers in Arkansas.
It will also allow primary care community centers to establish or expand access to behavioral health care in health centers, a primary source of care for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid.
“Access to behavioral health care is critical for communities of color and underserved groups,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “HRSA-funded health centers have a proven record of success in reaching underserved communities. This funding expands their access to essential behavioral health services that will benefit entire communities.”
According to Mental Health America’s The State of Mental Health in America 2024 report, the majority of people with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment.
The report also stated that 1 in 5 youth had at least one major depressive episode in the last year—with over half not receiving treatment, and 10% of adults with a mental illness uninsured.
“In the Biden-Harris Administration, more people now have health care coverage than at any point in our nation’s history. With today’s announcement to establish and expand behavioral health care in community health centers, we are further demonstrating our commitment not only to health coverage but to access to care,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Mental health and substance use disorder treatment are essential elements of primary care, and there should be no wrong door for families to get the behavioral health care they need.”
To find a health center near you, click here.
