$100 Million New Funding For Mental Health Care

Health Care, Physician Commentary health care, mental health funding

Today, Vice President Joe Biden announced the new allocation of $100 million dollars in federal funds for the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse in rural schools, community centers and hospitals.

$50 million of this will be available through the Affordable Care Act for community health centers to hire new mental health care professionals and add new mental health/addiction services.

The other $50 million will be allocated through the Department’s Community Facilities direct loan program over the next 3 years to improve or construct new mental health facilities and telemedicine programs in rural areas.

By Dr. Terra Caudill