In August, AHCCCS received an additional $2.4 million in federal grant funding extensions that will continue crisis counseling services for Arizonans affected by COVID-19.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extended $118,651 in grant funding for the Immediate Services Program/Crisis Counseling Program to provide crisis counseling services through September.
In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) extended another $2,291,051 to provide COVID-19 crisis counseling services through the Regular Services Program/Crisis Counseling Program. This money allows services to move from the Immediate Services Program to the Regular Services Program through June 2021.
Crisis Response Network will continue to provide crisis counseling services through the ResilientArizona.org Crisis Counseling Program. The program, free to any Arizona resident affected by COVID-19, offers confidential support services from the existing 2-1-1 statewide information and referral phone number, in English and Spanish. Crisis counselors help enhance social and emotional connections to others in the community, and promote effective coping strategies and resilience. The counselors also work closely with community organizations to familiarize themselves with available resources to then refer and connect individuals and families to other necessary services.
