Lytle, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped deliver $4,000,000 in federal funds to Camino Real Community Services. This funding, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) grant program, will be used to provide additional staff as well as increase services for mental health and substance abuse diagnosis and treatment.

“Mental health resources and programs are essential to an individual’s growth and well-being,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As we continue to battle an unprecedented pandemic, the effects of the health and economic hardships we’re facing has put an emotional and mental strain on many South Texans. This federal investment will allow the Center to continue their mission in promoting one’s own independence and improving the overall quality of life for their patients. I would like to thank Executive Director Emma Garcia, the Board of Trustees as well as the health center’s doctors and staff for helping people of all ages learn to cope with or overcome their mental health and behavioral struggles.

Emma Garcia, Executive Director of Camino Real Community Services states “ I am so excited that our Center will finally have funding available to develop much needed services. The citizens of these counties deserve to have access to addiction services  in their community.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure over $1.7 billion in the FY21 Appropriations bill for SAMHSA and their efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

Camino Real Community Services provides mental, behavioral and intellectual disability services to nine rural counties across South Texas, including Atascosa, La Salle, McMullen, and Wilson. The Center is also a provider of services and supports to persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.

Camino Real will use the federal funds to hire a full time Psychiatrist, Registered Nurse, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Recovery Coaches, and Care Navigators experienced in SUD and co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders. 

Pictured is Congressman Cuellar with Emma Garcia, Executive Director of Camino Real Community Services, and Camino Real administrators.