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DeLauro Announces $2 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grants for Behavioral Health Clinics in Milford and Ansonia

September 26, 2022

Today, House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro announced BH Care, Inc. and Bridges Healthcare Inc. were both awarded $1 million for their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC). The grant will allow BH Care to enhance access to care by expanding staff support, adopt a team-based approach to all services, track crisis services, and expand their services to additional unduplicated individuals. With these grant funds, Bridges will be funding "Project Engage," a project focused on four key initiatives; increasing community engagement, expanding the use of the Bridges' Wellness on Wheels mobile unit, promoting use of their West Haven and Stratford locations, and expanding their Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.

"Investing in behavioral health clinics is vital – mental health disorders are increasingly common through our communities. No person should be left to fight these battles alone," said Chair DeLauro. "Our communities need safe, nurturing, and supportive services. Behavioral health clinics like BH Care and Bridges Healthcare are providing Connecticut's families with person-centered recovery services that provide the life-saving care people deserve. Health care includes mental and behavioral health care – we must ensure that no one faces barriers to treatment."

"We are grateful for the continued investment in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system. Connecticut's designated Local Mental Health Authorities have the unique expertise to support children, adults, and families who are struggling with mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. This funding will allow us to enhance and expand our programming to better meet the growing need in our communities," said President and CEO of BH, Care. Inc. Roberta Cook.

"We are excited to be recipients of this grant and that Bridges will be able to provide increased access to services at our newest West Haven and Stratford sites to address the growing demand of mental health and substance use services. We are committed to addressing health disparities in the communities we serve and this will allow us to implement a number of community engagement efforts to help facilitate more access to services to individuals in underserved areas," said Jennifer Fiorillo, President & CEO, Bridges Healthcare.

"What does this mean to a family seeking treatment from Bridges? Well, it means access to the kind of quality care that is in tune with their cultural, spiritual, and personalized needs. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, our clients can know that they are receiving services from an agency that meets a higher standard of care that is designated by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,"Debra Gannon, Project Director for CCBHC, Bridges Healthcare.

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic is designed to ensure access to coordinated comprehensive behavioral health care. CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use disorder, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age - including developmentally appropriate care for children and youth.

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