Alabama receives millions for mental health, substance abuse programs

By Savannah Tryens-Fernandes

Alabama received $4 million from the federal government to launch and expand mental health services at seven health centers in the state.

The grants, awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, are aimed at providing treatment to people with substance use disorder. Funding was given to community health centers that work with patients “who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid,” according to a statement from HHS.

“Mental health and substance use disorder treatment are essential elements of primary care, and there should be no wrong door for families to get the behavioral health care they need,” Carole Johnson, Health Resources and Services Administration administrator, said in a statement.

A 2024 report by Mental Health America found that the vast majority of people with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. According to the report, titled The State of Mental Health in America 2024, 1 in 5 youth had at least one major depressive episode in the last year—with over half not receiving treatment, and 10 percent of adults with a mental illness are uninsured.

In Alabama, 41 percent of adults sought medical treatment for a mental health issue between 2017-2019, according to the 2020 state health assessment. Mental health and substance abuse is ranked as the first health indicator in the state, meaning residents and organizations deemed it to be the most important health issue in Alabama.

“Access to behavioral health care is critical for communities of color and underserved groups,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding expands their access to essential behavioral health services that will benefit entire communities.”

Below are the community health centers that received funding: