Ohio gets $96.7M for mental health, substance use treatment services

WASHINGTON — Ohio will receive more than $96.7 million for mental health and substance use programs through the American Rescue Plan.

The funds include $52.2 million from the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program and $44.5 million from the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program.

The funds are part of a national distribution of the largest amount of funding to date for mental health and substance use block grant programs, a news release states.

"We all know that the COVID crisis has impacted every corner of our society, including the toll it has taken on our mental wellness and those struggling with addiction," U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, said in the release. "That is why I am proud to announce this historic investment, which will help Ohioans receive the mental health and addiction treatment services they need."

The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program enables states and territories to provide comprehensive community mental health services and addresses needs and gaps in existing treatment services for those with serious mental illness.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program allows states and territories to plan, implement and evaluate activities to prevent, treat and help more people recover from substance use disorder.

This funding will allow the Ohio State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to make investments in existing prevention, treatment and recovery infrastructure, promote support for providers and address local needs to deliver substance use disorder services, the release states.

This story was originally published May 19, 2021 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Ohio gets $96.7M for mental health, substance use treatment services."