The state Office of Behavioral Health is receiving grant money from the federal government to try and address the multiple mental health issues facing Louisiana in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The money will be coming to Louisiana to benefit mental health programs at Plaquemines Parish, but there is also money for the overall state.

Plaquemines Parish Hospital will be receiving a grant of $920,833, and the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health will be receiving a grant of $800,000.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says,

This funding will give the doctors and nurses in Plaquemines Parish the additional resources they need to treat those most in need. I'm also grateful to see the Office of Behavioral health receive resources to help prevent suicide during this difficult time. Health centers care for the most vulnerable populations and are facing serious challenges while fighting the coronavirus. This funding will give the doctors and nurses in Plaquemines Parish the additional resources they need to treat those most in need. I'm also grateful to see the Office of Behavioral Health receive resources to help prevent suicide during this difficult time.

According to recent statistics from the website Louisiana Budget Project, Louisiana is far behind a majority of states when is comes to funding for behavioral services. The CEO of Oceans Healthcare, Stuart Archer, believes that Louisiana will be in a state of crisis after the Covid-19 pandemic, and he says that very little money in the CARES Act to deal with mental health issues.

Senator John Kennedy serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

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