HHS Awards $14M in Grants To Improve Care for Homeless
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson on Oct. 2 announced 32 grants that total $14 million to improve community substance abuse treatment services and primary health care for homeless individuals with substance abuse problems or mental illness. The awards include 19 three-year Development of Comprehensive Drug/Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment Systems for Persons Who Are Homeless grants that total $11 million and range from $450,000 to $600,000 per year. Recipients will use the grants, administered by the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to expand and improve community treatment for homeless individuals with substance abuse problems, mental illness or both. "These funds will help meet needs by promoting entry to housing and helping individuals remain housed, while they are receiving the treatment they need," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said. The awards announced yesterday also include 13 Collaboration To Link Health Care for the Homeless Programs and Community Mental Health Agencies grants that total $3 million. Recipients will use the grants, administered by SAMHSA and the HHS Health Resources and Services Administration, to "increase the availability of mental health and primary care services" for homeless individuals with mental illness. "This new program creates a model of collaboration that may well pave the way for joint efforts in many communities ... to address the complex needs of homeless individuals and families," HRSA Administrator Elizabeth Duke said (HHS release, 10/1).
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