Published:
NH Delegation Announces More than $9 Million Secured in December COVID-19 Relief to Combat the Substance Use Disorder Epidemic & Support Mental Health Services in NH
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a
senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today with
U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and
Chris Pappas (NH-01) that New Hampshire will receive $9,443,931 in federal
grants allocated under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law in
December. Specifically, the funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) and will support efforts to combat the
substance use disorder epidemic and bolster access to mental health services in
the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. During negotiations for the emergency
COVID-19 relief legislation that passed Congress and was signed into law in
December, Shaheen successfully
fought for the inclusion of language – which Hassan supported
– providing $4.25 billion in funding for substance use disorder treatment
and mental health care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on
Granite Staters’ mental health, with many people experiencing acute stress,
anxiety, depression and trauma as they grapple with the devastating impacts of
this crisis. The substance use disorder epidemic has been exacerbated by
COVID-19, with both patients and treatment providers struggling to get the
resources and support they need to stay afloat,” said Senator Shaheen.
“This federal funding is a significant, timely investment that will help
support mental health and substance misuse treatment for Granite Staters at a
time when they are most needed. I’ll continue to work in the Senate to secure
the resources New Hampshire needs to turn the tide of this crisis.”
“I’ve heard from Granite
State individuals, first responders, and health care workers who have shared
how much the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for increased
mental health supports,” Senator Hassan said. “We must do everything that we can to get help to
people who are struggling, which is why we pushed for these crucial relief
funds in the previous COVID-19 relief package. These significant federal
dollars will help countless Granite States who are battling substance use
disorder or other mental health concerns.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on the
health and wellbeing of the American people and our economy, but it has also
exacerbated an existing pandemic – untreated mental and behavioral health
disorders, including substance misuse,” said Representative Kuster. “It’s
crucial that we provide support for those dealing with substance use disorder,
especially during this health and economic emergency. I’m pleased New Hampshire
will receive these funds to ensure Granite Staters struggling with substance
use disorder and mental health challenges can get the support and treatment
they need, but this funding alone will not be enough. I’m proud that
legislation I introduced, the Emergency Support for Substance Use Disorders
Act to create emergency grants during the COVID-19 crisis for states and
community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use
disorder (SUD), was included in the American Rescue Plan Act. I will
continue working to get support to those who need it most.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on Granite
Staters and exacerbated our state’s substance abuse, addiction, and mental
health crises. It is critical that we support those who are struggling and I am
pleased to see New Hampshire is receiving significant federal funding for
comprehensive prevention, treatment, recovery, and health services for those
currently struggling. These programs will allow the Granite State to provide
treatment for those most in need and help us save lives,” said
Representative Pappas.
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