OMAHA- On Thursday, it was announced that 27 Nebraska-based behavioral health projects would be receiving disbursements from a second round of ARPA funding, which is expected to help the state expand and train behavioral health services and workers. The funds, which come from the final cycle of American Rescue Plan Act dollars, will be distributed by the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska. Previously, the Center had doled out nearly $20 million in ARPA funds to 83 behavioral health projects.

The Behavioral Health Center received around 150 applications requesting more than $25 million across four different categories, and selected 27 that they saw as the most beneficial to Nebraska. "We are excited to support these amazing projects that will help address our state's critical shortage of behavioral health workers," said Dr. Marley Doyle, director of the BHECN. Around 40% of the selected projects are based in rural parts of the state.

Jessica Buche, the Center's ARPA award director, said that the BHECN will offer training and assistance to awardees that have limited experience in awarding grants. Several of the organizations granted awards include: the Siena Francis House, $72,000; the Health Center Association of Nebraska, $800,000; the University of Nebraska at Omaha, $50,000; and the UNMC Wellness Center, $50,000.

For the full article click HERE