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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko today cheered the announcement that New York will receive a grant totaling $4,009,623 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program to address our nation’s mental health crisis.

“We must ensure a complete, compassionate response to the devastating impact our nation’s mental health crisis has wrought upon our communities and our loved ones,” Congressman Tonko said. “For years, I have championed legislation that speaks to this crisis and delivers the resources our communities need to address it. This vital funding provides timely and urgent support to our state to help deliver community-based mental health services and to ensure that those who are struggling are not left behind.”

This funding, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) that was signed into law by President Biden last year with Congressman Tonko’s strong support, is part of more than $64 million in total grants awarded to states and U.S. territories to tackle issues related to mental illness and provide mental health services and awareness training.

Throughout his career, Congressman Tonko has led the charge on efforts to address crises of mental health in our communities, including through his successful efforts in the New York State Assembly to pass Timothy’s Law. This legislation, the first of its kind in the nation, established mental health parity by requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for mental health care at the same level as for physical care. This Congress, Tonko reintroduced the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore Medicaid coverage, including for addiction and mental health treatment, to incarcerated individuals up to 30 days prior to their release. And in October, Tonko introduced the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act, a bipartisan bill to help communities address the extensive trauma caused by natural disasters and other toxic stresses.