On Tuesday, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced nearly $10 million in grants through the Affordable Care Act to boost the number of mental health care providers who serve rural areas and work with military personnel, veterans and their families, United Press International reports.
Under the Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training grant program, three-year grants totaling $9.8 million be made available to 24 graduate social work and psychology schools and programs (United Press International, 9/25). The grants range from about $121,000 to more than $480,000.
The Health Resources and Services Administration will oversee the program. A complete list of grant recipients is available from HRSA's website.
Federal officials said that although the level of funding is relatively small, the grant program will address an important need.
Sebelius in a statement said, "Mental health services are critical for those dealing with post-traumatic stress and other severe problems," adding, "Increasing the number and quality of providers to care for these individuals is a major step forward in addressing these challenges" (Adams, CQ HealthBeat, 9/25).