STATEHOUSE (July 27, 2022) – Local mental health service providers will receive more than $5 million in grant funding to help serve Hoosiers in need, according to area legislators.
State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) said the Community Catalyst Grants totaling $54.8 million will support 37 programs across the state to help enhance the quality of and access to mental health and substance treatment services, including two providers serving local Hoosiers. The total funding amount includes $22.3 million in local and grantee matching dollars, and $32.5 million in state funding.
“Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and it’s imperative that we continue to invest in specialized care and treatment programs throughout our state,” Ledbetter said. “This major infusion of funds, spread throughout Indiana, should lead to more positive outcomes. From reducing crime to improving children’s grades and test scores, addressing mental health gets to the root of a number of issues.”
Locally, Southwest Behavioral Healthcare serving Vanderburgh, Posey, Gibson and Warrick counties will receive $4,973,831 to implement community-based programming addressing behavioral health and substance use disorder needs. The organization will hire therapists and care coordinators, and also focus on the needs of youth with a dual diagnosis of mental health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwestern Indiana.
The Wellness Council of Indiana serving Delaware, Dubois, Hancock, Hendricks, Kosciusko, Orange, Posey, Spencer and Vigo counties will receive $275,957. This grant will help educate and train its employees on crisis response, and local mental health and substance use resources services.
Ledbetter and State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) supported funding the grants in the state’s two-year budget passed in 2021.
“Every community has unique challenges but also unique opportunities,” McNamara said. “These grants can help initiate positive change in Indiana communities through funding programs that are collaborative, innovative and sustainable. We can help multiply the force for good through these public-private partnerships.”
“Whether it’s dealing with trauma, addiction or a mental health disorder, many Hoosiers need help,” Hostettler said. “These investments will help support both existing and new mental health services in order to increase access and quality of care.”
O’Brien said Hoosiers in need of mental health services can now call 988 to connect with a trained crisis specialist from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time.
“This isn’t just a launch for the three-digit number,” O’Brien said. “Indiana is revolutionizing how the state responds to those in crisis. We will be able to provide consistent, reliable and effective help to those who need it. The start of this easy-to-remember number and the increased support services will help save lives.”
