By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) announced that she had awarded $7 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds to support programs within the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

$6 million of the funding will be put towards the Community Provider Reimbursement Program, while another $1 million will be used for ADMH’s Crisis and Recovery Services Program.

The Community Reimbursement Program will use the funds to reimburse “nearly 300 provider agencies that offer essential services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities,” according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.

The Crisis and Recovery Services program will use their allocated funds to develop a web-based/toll-free crisis hotline to directly assist individuals, especially those suffering from the mental impacts of COVID-19, with appropriate services. The hotline will be staffed by trained crisis specialists. 

“COVID-19 has taken a toll on Alabamians in many ways, and that certainly includes their mental health. Like people around the globe, the people of our state are suffering, and I remain committed to providing the necessary support to get our state and her people back on our feet,” Governor Ivey said. “These funds will go to support important mental health services that Alabamians are seeking in these difficult times. I am pleased to see the CARES Act funds continually being put to work for the people of Alabama.”

For more information, please visit mh.alabama.gov.