Little Rock, Arkansas – Earlier this week, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), announced the allocation of $15 million in grants aimed at enhancing infrastructure to better serve individuals with substance use disorders, mental illnesses, or intellectual disabilities. These grants will benefit community-based organizations across the state that provide Medicaid-supported treatment for these specialty populations.
Supporting Vulnerable Arkansans
Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of providing care in facilities that are both modern and functional, stating, “Vulnerable Arkansans need help – and they deserve to receive that help in modern, well-functioning facilities. As my administration supports our most at-risk citizens, these grants will build a continuity of care that helps Arkansans through every step of their lives.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam echoed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting how the funding will enhance the continuum of care available to both young people and adults dealing with various challenges. “The funding awards announced today will create an array of additional services that support an improved continuum of care for both young people and adults who are struggling with substance use disorders, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities. We are excited to see these investments turn into services that fill gaps in coverage and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of Arkansans who need this support,” said Putnam.
Targeted Grant Funding
The grants announced this week will be distributed across several key areas of need:
- Community Reintegration for Children: This grant will fund new buildings designed to function as family home environments, providing step-down support for children moving from high-cost, restrictive settings. The recipients of this grant include:
- Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Fort Smith – $4 million
- United Methodist Children’s Home, Little Rock – $1 million
- Adult Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities: This grant supports improvements to facilities that offer 30- to 60-day treatment programs for adults battling substance use disorders. The recipients are:
- Harbor House, Fort Smith – $1,842,004
- ARVAC Lake Point Recovery and Wellness, Russellville – $2,157,996
- Supported Housing Units for Young Adults: This grant funds the construction of an apartment complex intended for young adults who have aged out of group homes or services provided by the Division of Children and Family Services or the Division of Youth Services. The recipient is:
- Rainbow of Challenges, Inc., Hope – $3 million
- Therapeutic Communities for Adults with IDD: This grant supports the creation of a 16-bed therapeutic community for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and a co-occurring behavioral health diagnosis, providing step-down support from high-cost inpatient psychiatric care. The recipient is:
- ARISA Health, Jonesboro – $3 million
In addition to these grants, the state will soon announce additional funding for Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment and Supported Housing Units for Young Adults later this summer. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a comprehensive, statewide network of support for individuals and families facing significant health and social challenges.
The investments in these critical areas of care reflect Arkansas’ commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its most vulnerable residents, ensuring that they have access to the services and support they need to thrive.
