Rep. Terri Sewell announces $1.2M to expand mental health, substance use treatment in Jefferson Co., Black Belt

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – U.S. Representative Terri Sewell announced Friday $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been allocated to help expand mental health and substance use services in Jefferson County and in the Black Belt. Alabama Regional Medical Services in Birmingham and Rural Health Medical Program in Selma were each awarded $600,000 to expand access to care and help combat the mental health and opioid crises. Sewell said the awards are part of a $240 million investment by the Biden-Harris administration to launch or expand behavioral health care services across America. “When our most vulnerable Alabamians are in need of care, it is the amazing health care professionals at our Community Health Centers who stand in the gap,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration is working to expand mental health and substance use treatments for the patients that these facilities serve. These awards represent a critical step forward in our fight against the mental health and opioid crises.” “Alabama Regional Medical Services is deeply honored to receive this significant funding from HRSA to expand and integrate behavioral health services into primary care,” said Alabama Regional Medical Services (ARMS) CEO, Dr....