Indiana has secured approximately $3.6 million in federal funding to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services within clinical settings. This financial support comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding care availability.
The competitive grants have been allocated to around 400 community health centers across the United States, including six in Indiana. These federally supported centers provide essential healthcare services to individuals who may be uninsured or unable to afford care.
Carole Johnson, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, emphasized the urgent need for these services, stating that current data indicates community health centers are falling short in meeting the demand for mental health and SUD treatment. Nationwide, community health centers are addressing only 27% of the demand for mental health services and a mere 6% for substance use disorder treatments.
In Indiana, a 2022 report from the Indiana University School of Public Health revealed that more than 25% of residents with mental health issues felt they needed treatment but did not receive it. Among those with substance use disorders, only 5% who sought help were able to access the necessary treatment.
“We need to integrate mental health and substance use disorder treatment into primary care settings where individuals have a trusted provider,” Johnson stated. “This is where they are most likely to raise concerns about their mental health or substance use.”
Looking to the future, Johnson expressed a desire to mandate that the approximately 1,400 community health centers nationwide provide mental health and behavioral health services, with the goal of transforming the broader healthcare system.
“Our aim is to demonstrate effective models of integrating physical and behavioral health,” she said. “It’s crucial to recognize that mental health is an integral part of overall health, and we must find intelligent ways to achieve this integration.”
Among the community health centers benefiting from this funding are Indiana Health Centers in Indianapolis, Riggs Community Health in Lafayette, and Valley Professionals in Clinton. The Indiana Primary Care Association estimates that there are about 35 community health centers operating throughout the state.
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