More Than $8 Million for Mental Health Support Programs Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $8,138,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for mental health support programs throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Communities throughout Maine deserve access to critical mental health treatment programs,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would support the efforts of community-centered groups and providers who are striving to improve and expand treatment methods and outcomes for all Mainers. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
KITA Commons Mental Health Community Center
Recipient: KITA
Project Location: Acton, ME
Amount Requested: $3,330,000
Project Purpose: To construct and equip a mental health facility for youth affected by suicide.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine Healthy Minds, Great Futures Program
Recipient: Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine
Project Location: Auburn, Lewiston, Portland, South Portland, ME
Amount Requested: $508,000
Project Purpose: To expand youth behavioral and mental health services.
Increasing Behavioral Health Support for Youth and Adults
Recipient: Aroostook Mental Health Services
Project Location: Calais, ME
Amount Requested: $4,300,000
Project Purpose: For facilities and equipment to expand behavioral health services.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY24 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate. Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $500 million for hundreds of Maine projects for FY2022 and FY2023. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
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