American Rescue Plan Includes $4B for the Recovery Community

The American Rescue Plan was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden this week. While the legislation's chief focus is to eradicate COVID-19 and restore the American economy, some provisions will greatly benefit the Recovery Community. Over $4 billion will be invested in mental health and substance use disorders as we seek to repair the extensive damage wrought by the pandemic.

SAMHSA the Main Recipient

The bulk of these funds have been allocated to two SAMHSA block grants; $1.5 billion to both the Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment block grant and the Mental Health Services block grant. $425 million will go to the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers.

Recovery Communities and Local SUD Assistance

Of greatest interest to our recovery community are two provisions that will – combined - bring $80 million to communities. $30 million in funding for community-based funding for local substance use disorder services such as syringe services programs and other harm reduction interventions and $50 million in funding for community-based funding for local behavioral health needs, to include expansion of telehealth services in communities in greatest need. Preventive services, as well as crisis intervention services, may also be funded by these grants. Community-based non-profit entities will be eligible to apply for these grants from SAMHSA.