Bellingham, Washington — The Lummi Nation is set to receive a $550,000 federal grant to expand its mental health services, thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Tessa Gorman, U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, announced the grant, which will be used to establish a Mental Health Court aimed at helping tribal members access appropriate treatment programs. These programs will focus on individuals dealing with substance abuse, mental health issues, or co-occurring disorders.
The new funding will enable the Lummi Nation to enhance its support for citizens struggling with mental health and substance use challenges by connecting them with vital resources and treatment options. The Mental Health Court is designed to provide a streamlined pathway for individuals to receive care rather than face traditional criminal justice processing.
In addition to the Lummi Nation’s funding, the Washington State Health Care Authority was awarded $7 million by the DOJ to support mental health and substance abuse treatment programs across both community and correctional facilities statewide. This includes critical training for law enforcement officials on how to respond to opioid overdoses.
The federal grants are part of a broader initiative to improve mental health care and substance use treatment services in Washington, aiming to address the growing need for these services within tribal communities and beyond.
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