A major federal grant is coming to CrossWinids Counseling and Wellness.
CrossWinds says it has secured a two-year, $2.3 million block grant as part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Director Amanda Cunningham says this helps CrossWinds adjust to the state’s new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic approach, letting CrossWinds improve its same-day intake process and increase mental health services to underserved segments of the community like Hispanic residents, agriculture producers, severely or persistently mentally ill adults and seriously emotionally disturbed children.
Cunningham says the money helps CrossWinds fund new positions and increase community marketing. It also lets CrossWinds cover the consultation and program costs to increase open access, and it funds certain programs to help staff stay employed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The change to the CCBHC model includes an increased crisis response, enhanced coordination with criminal justice systems locally and more emphasis on culturally appropriate services.
This is a separate venture from CrossWinds’ recent push to find a new facility. CrossWinds has a long-term lease for the building at 1000 Lincoln and is looking to leave that property by 2024. CrossWinds and Newman Regional Health, the property owner, will have formal discussions down the road.
