National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia on COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Package
On Monday night, Congress passed a $2.3 trillion spending bill that delivers $900 billion in new COVID-19 relief and $1.4 trillion to fund the federal government through September 30, 2021. The legislation includes funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant, among other programs. The legislation also increases and continues funding for key programs like the Provider Relief Fund, Paycheck Protection Program and extends the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program for three fiscal years through September 30, 2023.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia released the follow statement in response:
“We applaud Congress for taking action today to deliver more COVID-19 relief and fund critical federal government programs. The bill provides an immediate boost of new COVID-19 relief support for mental health and substance use disorder organizations as well as providing funding stability for thousands of community mental health organizations across the country.
“Our country faces a mental health and substance use crisis on a scale of which we have never seen before – a second public health crisis. The life-saving work of organizations providing mental health and substance use treatment and services is more essential than ever. While we believe additional federal support will be necessary, we welcome today’s much needed relief and funding package.”
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The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Together with our 3,326 member organizations serving over 10 million adults, children and families living with mental illnesses and addictions, the National Council is committed to all Americans having access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery. The National Council introduced Mental Health First Aid USA and more than 2 million Americans have been trained.
About The National Council
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 3 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.