Community Health Resources (CHR), the state’s most comprehensive, nonprofit behavioral healthcare agency and the only agency in Connecticut to meet rigorous federal criteria as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), recently was awarded a CCBHC Expansion Grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration to enhance and expand a range of vital services for people of all ages.
“We are so proud to be among an elite group of nonprofits nationwide to receive a CCBHC Continuation Grant and look forward to seamlessly expanding services to the community,” said Heather Gates, CHR’s President and CEO. “Our goal is to be here for everyone in the community, in good times and bad,” she said, noting that CHR has maintained a full complement of services during the coronavirus crisis.
This two-year, $4 million grant paves the way for CHR to continue efforts to combat the opioid crisis with increased access to same-day services; provide 24/7 crisis care; increase access to primary care for individuals with serious mental illness and addictions; and launch new wellness programs for children and families, including vaping-cessation programs.
The new grant builds upon CHR’s accomplishments since meeting all CCBHC standards in 2019, including: 70% increase in number of individuals receiving life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use addictions; 50% increase in the number of veterans receiving behavioral health services and 100% of clients being screened for suicide risk.
“We will continue to innovate and lead the state in new ways to provide care for people of all ages with a range of behavioral health challenges. We are deeply grateful for this funding and look forward to the grant’s full implementation, including sustainability strategies,” Gates added.
About CHR: Community Health Resources (CHR) is the state’s most comprehensive, nonprofit behavioral healthcare agency and the only agency in the state to meet rigorous federal criteria as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Now offering telehealth services, CHR offers a range of services for people of all ages whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addictions and trauma. Learn more at www.chrhealth.org.