A $1 million federal grant to help combat substance addictions and mental illness was announced by Congressman Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today.

“This federal grant will help people who are struggling with addictions or facing mental illness challenges in the northern Ocean County area over the next four years,” said Congressman Smith. “The programs funded by this grant will help support and improve existing outpatient mental health and addiction services in order to provide more assistance to people in need.”

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Center for Mental Health Services. It will pay for addiction and mental health services between Sept. 30, 2023 and Sept. 29, 2027. The funding was awarded to the Lakewood Community Service Corporation (LCSC) on Carey Street in Lakewood.

“We are excited and thrilled to get this grant,” said LCSC Outpatient Director Sara Lerner, who noted the grant would support existing mental health, psychiatry and addiction services, and support services in four clinics and over two dozen schools in the area. Lerner, the grant director, said the grant will enable LCSC to expand psychiatric care for children and adults, and training for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) evidence-based programs.

Lerner said LCSC offers a comprehensive approach, including crisis services, care management, service for veterans, psychosocial rehabilitation, including vocational support. “We use a team approach of ‘wrap around’ service,” she said. LCSC has working agreements with the area Federal Qualified Heath Center, RWJ-Barnabas Health and other local providers.

LCSC operates a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This program offers community mental health and substance use recovery-oriented services through person-and family-centered integrated services.