Governor Helps Address Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 with Funding

Wyoming Gordon Mark Gordon has made federal funding available to help address mental health impacts of COVID-19. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

CARES Act funds in the amount of $5 million have been made available by Governor Gordon to behavioral health providers in the state to help them to provide service to residents with needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon, in a media release, said the pandemic and its impacts have taken a toll on the mental health of many citizens, particularly those battling substance abuse. Gordon said the funding will increase the ability for Wyoming providers to deliver services to those that are having difficulty obtaining help and those who are unable to pay for the assistance they may need.

According to the Governor’s Office, the $5 million allocated by Gordon may be used to provide no-cost services for state residents that are experiencing behavioral health challenges due to the pandemic; to enhance or offer telehealth and other remote services related to the pandemic; to provide behavioral health services to residents at long-term care facilities; to purchase personal protective equipment; and for reimbursement for costs incurred since March due to COVID-19 that haven’t been reimbursed from another pay source.

Licensed mental health and substance abuse providers that were already enrolled as providers with the Wyoming Department of Health are eligible for the funding. Applications are due by December 15 and more information is available on the WDH website.