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
**This funding comes as a result of Shaheen’s leadership during negotiations for emergency COVID relief that was signed into law in December, which led to the inclusion of $4.25 billion in funding for substance use disorder treatment and mental health care **
(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.
