Kane County Health Department taking proposals to the behavioral health system
In December 2023, the Kane County Board allocated nearly $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act federal pandemic recovery funding to the Kane County Health Department to launch a multi-faceted endeavor to address gaps in the behavioral health system, including coordinating access to treatment and resources to support youth and families.
And now, the health department is taking the first steps toward making a portion of those funds available to organizations and agencies in support of community-driven projects to deliver inclusive, innovative, long-term benefits to the behavioral health system and the mental well-being of residents across Kane County.
In response to the increasing need for comprehensive mental health and substance use services, the health department is dedicating $5 million of the American Rescue Plan Act allocation to address these urgent community needs.
The initiative will provide financial grants to eligible local organizations, including non-profits, community groups, and service providers, who are working on innovative solutions to improve access and quality of behavioral health care.
The health department released a Notification of Funding Availability for their Behavioral Health System Improvement Initiatives Grants, allowing eligible organization to apply for between $20,000 and $300,000 to develop and enhance their behavioral health systems.
Applicants are asked to submit a proposal for projects that meet one of the main evaluation categories:
• Expansion of behavioral health services;
• Integrated behavioral health care models;
• Prevention and early intervention;
• Enhance telehealth and technology.
"The mental health and well-being of our residents are top priorities for Kane County, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Michael Isaacson, executive director. "These grants will help build a more robust and resilient behavioral health infrastructure, ensuring that our community members have the support they need to thrive."
“Our goal is a coordinated and data-driven behavioral health system that the community is aware and proud of,” said Kim Peterson, director of community health and manager of this initiative. “The grant funds will support the organizations in our community who are providing innovative mental health and substance use solutions that reflect the needs of Kane County residents.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic Kane County received a total of $103,413,041 from the U.S. Treasury Department in state and local fiscal recovery funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Learn more about the American Rescue Plan and the funding Kane County has distributed from the plan.
Organizations interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate innovative approaches to enhancing behavioral health systems, including but not limited to telehealth services, outreach programs, training and education for healthcare providers, and initiatives aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders.
The grant application process opens on Thursday, May 2, 2024 and closes on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Full details on the application process, eligibility criteria, and funding guidelines are available on the Kane County Health Department’s website at www.kanehealth.com/Pages/BH-Funding.aspx.