PORT ANGELES — Peninsula Behavioral Health has received $2 million in federal funding to help treat severe mental and behavioral illness in Clallam County, U.S. Sen Maria Cantwell announced.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will allow PBH to add up to six clinical and non-clinical positions, officials said.
PBH was one of three Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in the state to receive the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding.
“Receiving this CCBHC grant from SAMHSA will be transformational for Peninsula Behavioral Health and for behavioral health care in our community,” Peninsula Behavioral Health CEO Wendy Sisk said in a press release.
“We are looking forward to expanding our evidence based practices and providing cutting edge treatment to the residents of Clallam County. These funds will allow us to provide more comprehensive care to those who need it most.”
Other clinics to receive funding were Cascade Community Healthcare — which serves Lewis, Thurston and Pacific counties — and Comprehensive Healthcare, which serves more than 10,000 migrant seasonal farm workers and the Yakama Nation.
Since Congress created the grant program for CCBHCs, Cantwell has worked with clinics throughout the state to help them apply and secure funding.
“This funding will help expand mental and behavioral health services in critical counties and communities around Washington state where federal help can make a major impact,” Cantwell said.
“We know how important mental health treatment and care is for overall well being, and this is certainly true during and after the COVID-19 crisis.”
