$1 million raised to fund a community mental health initiative

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – East Baton Rouge Parish will receive $1 million from Congress to establish a network of mental and behavioral health resource centers through the BRIGHT initiative.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. announced the news on Saturday, June 18. According to the two leaders, these resource centers will provide traditional clinical services by licensed practitioners for communities in dire need of trauma-informed and factor-based care. such as crime, substance abuse, housing insecurity and violence.

“Increasing access to mental health and trauma resources for families in East Baton Rouge is essential to supporting a safe, hopeful and healthy community,” said Mayor Broome. “MP Carter is a wonderful partner, helping to bring these resources to the neighborhoods that need them most, improving public safety and quality of life.”

Congressman Carter emphasized that mental health care is health care.

“We need to take care of our body, mind, and spirit to build a happy, fulfilling life and a strong, safe community. That’s why today I’m so proud to announce that I’ve secured $1 million in community project funding for mental health services in Baton Rouge through the BRIGHT initiative,” Carter said.

“We all deserve to feel safe in our communities and with ourselves. Addressing the mental health needs of our community – as well as the physical health needs – is one way to achieve a stronger, safer Baton Rouge. Thank you to Mayor-President Broome and the City of Baton Rouge for their continued partnership and dedication to this important issue,” Carter added.

According to officials, this community project was funded through the annual Congressional appropriations process and was selected and championed by Congressman Carter after extensive outreach to local groups and stakeholders. It’s one of nine projects, totaling $31.5 million, the congressman has secured for Louisiana’s second congressional district.

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