West Bend, WI – Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and the Washington County Board have authorized up to four years of funding to local organizations to implement evidence-based behavioral health programs.
The Washington County Health & Human Services Department will make available up to $2 million of one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support the development of innovative approaches that expand access to behavioral health services (mental health and substance use) and provide resources for people experiencing behavioral health crisis. There is no minimum grant amount. Maximum grant amount is $50,000 per year or $200,000 for a multi-year grant. The grant application opens on January 13, 2023, and applications are due by 4:00pm, Friday February 17, 2023.
“This grant initiative will help to address the growing rise in mental health and substance use across our county. I look forward to the help our community will receive for those in need of these crucial services,” said Schoemann.
The ARPA funds require use of evidence-based interventions: Applicants are encouraged to use relevant evidence Clearinghouses, among other sources, to assess the level of evidence for their interventions and identify evidence-based models that could be applied in their jurisdiction.
This grant fits into ARPA category of services to Public Health, Mental Health Services and Substance Use Services. Other ARPA categories will be considered if an impact on populations affected by mental health and substance use can be demonstrated. Those include:
- Services to disproportionately affected community’s category
- Education Assistance: social, emotional and mental health services
- Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families Involved in Child Welfare Systems
- Housing Support: Services for unhoused persons; and Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance.
An advisory board made up of county and community members will review applications and make recommendations to the Washington County Executive and Washington County Board. Grant awards are anticipated to be made the week of March 6, 2023.
To access the grant application please visit the Washington County website at: Washington County Community Mental Health and Substance Use Grant RFP.pdf (civiclive.com) or contact Natalie MacMullen at Natalie.MacMullen@washcowisco.gov.
