Congressman Dan Kildee announced new federal funding to expand access to mental health services and substance abuse disorder treatment in mid-Michigan.
The $650,000 grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will support Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU’s) efforts to train psychiatric nurse practitioners in mid-Michigan. This funding will allow SVSU to provide financial support to over 30 psychiatric nurse practitioner students, reducing the cost of their education by nearly 85%.
“Investing in our frontline health care providers is critical to ensuring Michiganders have access to the health care they need. I am proud to have secured this funding to support SVSU’s efforts to address the shortage of mental health care providers in our communities,” said Congressman Kildee. “In Congress, I will continue fighting to bring federal resources home and make health care, including mental health care, more accessible to all Michiganders.”
“We thank Congressman Kildee for helping secure this funding. This project holds tremendous promise to expand access to mental health and addiction treatment for the people who need it, while also addressing the pressing need to reduce health inequities in rural Michigan. By expanding educational opportunities for advanced practice nurses, we aim to bridge gaps in patient care and empower nurse practitioners to meet the specific needs of their communities. The impact will be far-reaching, transforming lives and creating a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system for all,” said Kathleen Schachman, Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Professor of Nursing at SVSU.
