The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for mental and behavioral health support services for Phoenix residents who are uninsured or underinsured.
The City contracted with Mercy Care, a local nonprofit health plan and Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) in Maricopa County, to oversee the funds. This investment will provide services to dozens of people every month.
“We continue to see more residents requiring assistance to address mental or behavioral health challenges," said Mayor Gallego. “With Mercy Care's network of over 200 city-wide provider locations, we will assist up to 100 additional adults, children and families each month, many of whom are unsheltered or in danger of becoming unsheltered."
A range of services will be offered including behavioral and physical health screenings, substance use-related treatment needs, counseling, and outreach. When the program begins, people will be able to access services through outreach or one of Mercy Care's partner healthcare facilities. Outreach teams will focus on Phoenix communities identified as having a high need for these types of health services and/or a disproportionate impact from COVID-19.
“The pandemic created unprecedented mental and behavioral health challenges for so many people," said Tad Gary, Mercy Care Deputy CEO. “We appreciate the City's confidence in Mercy Care, and we look forward to helping Phoenix residents get the care and services they need to deal with these challenges."
“We know there is a need for accessible mental health services in our community, and we want to ensure we are meeting this need," said Marchelle Franklin, Director of the Human Services Department. “This program is another tool for outreach providers to help connect people with the appropriate services and resources to create positive outcomes."
The program also focuses on stable housing, which is a crucial component of recovery for individuals with behavioral health needs or substance abuse disorders. Additional services include eviction prevention, short-term rental assistance, transitional housing, and utility assistance.
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