Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Tribal organizations in Oregon and the state Health Authority will receive a combined $4.66 million in federal COVID-19 for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
“The mental health impacts from COVID-19 have been profound with isolation, substance abuse and more throughout Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said. “These health investments will help but much more needs to be done during this public health crisis to make sure mental health is treated with equal concern for Tribal members and all Oregonians.”
“The challenges of this pandemic have further emphasized what so many of us, our friends, and our family members have long known: Mental health care is essential care,” said Merkley. “I’m grateful that this funding is headed to tribal communities to help strengthen and boost accessibility to mental health services, and will continue to work to ensure that tribal members receive the resources and support they need to be healthy during this difficult time.”
The grants from the federal Department of Health & Human Services are as follows:
· Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians $1.08 million
· Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians $500,000
· Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, $1.08 million
· Oregon Health Authority, $2.0 million
“We are very grateful for the support from SAMHSA and for the ongoing support from Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for our community,” said Jackie Mercer, CEO of the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest. “The SAMHSA Emergency COVID-19 Grant award will significantly enable the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest to help our community heal from the huge impact of COVID-19 on their wellbeing as a result of the trauma, isolation and other impacts. This project will allow NARA to continue to provide much needed mental health and recovery services and allow us to give hope and a pathway to healing.”
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