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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration this week distributed $825 million in from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement to 231 community mental health centers to expand access to services. The recipients must develop a behavioral health disparities impact statement; quality-improvement plan to address differences in access, use and outcomes in under-resourced populations; and identify methods to ensure adherence to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our ability to ensure timely access to treatment services and recovery supports,” Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Department of Health and Human Services. “This funding will help CMHCs address local needs, which have become even more urgent in the past year.”