1 year after Newtown, Biden boosts mental health

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is pledging more funding for mental health as the first anniversary of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting approaches.

The White House says $100 million will become available to increase access and quality of mental health services. Biden met with relatives of Newtown victims at the White House Tuesday to announce the funds.

The Obama administration will offer $50 million through the Affordable Care Act to help community health centers hire providers and add services for mental illness and addiction. The government aims to provide another $50 million in financing to help rural mental health facilities.

The Obama administration has made mental health a focus of efforts to reduce gun violence. Gun control legislation stalled in Congress after the Newtown shooting one year ago Saturday.

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