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U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar announced today a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration for South Texas Rural Health Services, Inc. (STRHS).

STRHS created a Mental Health/Substance Abuse Program as a pilot project in May 2006 to integrate mental health and primary care services in Frio and Medina Counties, both of which have been designated Medically Underserved Areas and Medically Underserved Populations. The grant money will ensure continued mental health/substance abuse services to area residents through expansion of the pilot program.  Specifically, STRHS will use the funds to provide outreach, individual and group counseling, and follow up services in a Wellness Center on the Pearsall Health Center campus.

“I congratulate the physicians and staff of South Texas Rural Health Services for securing the federal funds necessary to continue their expansion of mental health and primary care services in Frio County,” Congressman Cuellar said. “This is an important part of making sure that our rural citizens have access to quality, affordable health care.”

The target population for STRHS is comprised of individuals in Frio and Medina Counties who are uninsured, undocumented, underinsured and other low-income persons seeking quality, comprehensive health care and other health services. 

“The successful pilot project has gone nine months without funding,” Dori Trevino, a representative for STRHS, explained. “With this grant money, we will expand the pilot project in Frio County and continue to support mental health services in the region.”

Under the Health Resources and Services Administration, grants are awarded to improve the health of the Nation's underserved communities and vulnerable populations by assuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.