Becker County program supports adults diagnosed with mental illness

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee passed legislation that included funding for a project to support A Place to Belong (AP2B), an organization supporting adults who are diagnosed with a mental illness. This project will help AP2B hire additional staff and support their strategic planning efforts so they are able to provide more outreach and care for adults living with a mental illness in Becker County.

“I am proud to work with local leaders to secure resources for A Place to Belong and now they’re one key step closer to receiving funding,” said Klobuchar. 

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.

“We need to treat mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that starts with making sure we have enough professionals in the workforce to meet demand,” said Smith. “This funding will help hire more mental health professionals who can provide outreach and care for adults living with a mental illness in Becker County. I will keep working with local leaders and my Senate colleagues to get this funding signed into law.”

This legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate after being approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.