Davis Announces Grants for Mental Illness, Substance Abuse Programs
As part of his Mental Health Initiative, Gov. Gray Davis (D) last week announced a $1.5 million grant for Sacramento and San Joaquin counties to develop pilot programs to treat people with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance abuse. Under the grant, San Joaquin County Mental Health Services will receive $781,601 and Sacramento County Mental Health Services will receive $774,001 to design culturally competent programs that will streamline treatment for people with dual diagnoses, many of whom currently receive care for each condition at several different public agencies. The pilot programs will target diverse populations, including Asian, Pacific Islander and Latino communities. County mental health services and substance abuse programs will work with community-based organizations to develop personalized treatment programs with the help of "ethnic specific" providers. In addition to treatment services, the pilot programs will provide rehabilitation services, medication support, relapse prevention, vocational training, supportive housing assistance and symptom management (Office of the Governor release, 5/4).
Last week, Davis also announced $800,000 in grants for eight counties -- Alameda, Fresno, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco and Stanislaus -- to develop "expertise" in identifying and treating children under the age of five who are at risk of developing mental illnesses. The programs target children who experience trauma from violence and neglect and parents who suffer from mental illness or substance abuse. Through the Infant Preschool Family Mental Health Initiative, the funds will be used to develop prevention and intervention programs focusing on expanding provider networks, developing expertise in treating young children and referring families to appropriate agencies for services. Funds for the programs will come from the State Children and Families Commission. Each county will receive $50,000 for two years (Office of the Governor release, 5/4).
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