In a significant move to bolster mental health services, state representative Rex Reynolds spearheaded the passage of a bill funneling $30 million into rehabilitation and treatment programs statewide.
“This investment is pivotal and could have a lasting impact for up to six or seven years, contingent upon the timing of allocations,” Reynolds stated.
The bill’s approval stands as a key achievement for Reynolds during this legislative session, as previously highlighted in our coverage.
Funded by a substantial settlement from an opioid lawsuit against the state of Alabama, the initiative necessitates annual renewal of funding. Nonetheless, Reynolds remains optimistic about the immediate relief it could provide to struggling facilities statewide.
“Last year, during the 23rd session, we allocated $10 million. Many agencies received grants of up to half a million dollars each, which significantly contributed to our current position,” Reynolds explained. “Additionally, we allocated over a million dollars to Morgan County for the expansion of adolescent mental health beds, addressing a critical need in that area.”
Encouragingly, the funds are already in motion, with the bill taking effect immediately upon Governor Ivey’s signature.
