U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment to expand substance use disorder treatment, mental health services and housing-related supports under the administration’s Great American Recovery initiative.
The funding will launch the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports (STREETS) initiative, which will support targeted outreach, psychiatric care, medical stabilization, crisis intervention and connections to stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder.
HHS also announced a $10 million Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) grant program to support adults who have difficulty engaging in traditional outpatient care. The program uses court-ordered, community-based treatment as an alternative to hospitalization, homelessness or involvement with the criminal justice system.
In addition, HHS announced changes allowing states and tribes to receive a 50% federal match to provide medications for opioid use disorder, buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone, to parents whose children are at risk of entering foster care. The medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are intended to support recovery and family stability.
Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.