KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — More funding to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders is coming to West Michigan thanks to a federal grant program.
Four of the 25 organizations chosen nationwide are in Michigan: Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Health West, Easter Seals and West Michigan Community Mental Health Authority.
“This is a great day for all of us that care deeply about mental health and addiction services being available to everyone,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, who helped announce the grant awards during a ceremony Thursday.
“The grant means a great deal to us,” said Jeff Patton, chief executive officer of Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “It actually augments and sort of gives us more funding to support people that may not be eligible for Medicaid or may not be eligible for other programs and services.”
Patton says his organization primarily receives funding from Medicaid, the state and grants. The new $4 million grant will help expand services for people in need. He says the organization will hire more people, like outpatient therapists, to better serve those needs.