$2M Grant from Human Resources & Services Administration Awarded for Eastern New Mexico

The Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG) has been awarded a $2M grant from the Human Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) with the collaborative efforts of United Way of Eastern New Mexico (UWENM), Initium Health, the City of Clovis, and a consortium of more than twenty entities spanning four counties: Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, and Quay. The grant establishes a four-year program to support behavioral health and mitigate substance use disorder in rural New Mexico. EPCOG will act as the fiscal and oversight agent of the grant program.

“We are so proud and amazed to be awarded this grant to invest in our schools, families, and children across four counties. This is vital to support the efforts of rural teachers, counselors, and providers who are strengthening families fighting substance abuse use and building resiliency in our kids. This grant is due to over twenty entities across Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, and Quay embracing the chance to work together.”

Erinn Burch, Executive Director, United Way of Eastern New Mexico

“The City of Clovis is extremely pleased the HRSA grant has been awarded to assist in providing additional behavioral health services for schools, hospitals, detention centers, and community-based providers in the four-county region. This is an excellent opportunity to further address behavioral health needs in our area.”

Mike Morris, Mayor, City of Clovis

“This is exciting news for the rural school districts in eastern New Mexico. The need for mental and behavioral health services has dramatically increased in the past couple of years, and the awarding of this grant will provide the crucial funds to provide these services to students.”

Scott McMath, Director, Regional Education Cooperative #6

“While developing this grant application, it became clear that while the behavioral health needs of the four counties are great, there is also growing momentum and collaboration toward real change. Initium Health is honored to partner with twenty-four organizations involved in this project who are working across traditional silos in a way that sets an example for rural communities across the country.”