Hillsborough County soon will receive an infusion of mental health support through a $1.99 million investment from the Hillsborough County Commission, according to a news release.
Commissioners unanimously approved a 30-month contract that supports Tampa Bay Thrives in providing mental and behavioral health services to help residents impacted by the ongoing pandemic, which has created or exacerbated mental and behavioral health issues for millions of Americans, the release said.
The funds come from Hillsborough County’s COVID-19 dollars as part of the American Rescue Plan Act – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP Funds).
The funding will be used to support a behavioral health program to help residents who are dealing with depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness.
The program will:
- expand a free and confidential 24-hour Let’s Talk line
- provide short-term counseling to serve as a bridge to longer-term care
- create a research and awareness campaign
- conduct an annual survey
- deliver a community-wide marketing campaign, providing resources and increasing knowledge of existing resources
