Rio Grande City, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped deliver $4,000,000 in federal funds to Border Region Behavioral Health Center. 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 $4 million investment will allow Border Region Behavioral Health 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 Maria Alonso-Sanchez, 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.

“Border Region is so very grateful to receive this Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Expansion Grant with the support of Congressman Henry Cuellar.

The four counties Border Region serves, Webb, Jim Hogg, Zapata, and Starr Counties, are underserved and underfunded for the many behavioral health services that are needed. This money will be used to provide more staff for intakes, crisis, counseling, and link clients to more services. This grant will also allow Border Region to increase doctor time. With these additional positions, Border Region will improve wait time and assist clients during this pandemic, which has greatly increased the need for mental health services,” said Maria Sanchez, Executive Director of Border Region Behavioral Health Center.  

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.

Border Region Behavioral Health Center is the local mental health authority in a four county radius from Starr, Zapata, and Webb counties. The Center offers services to children, adults and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Pictured from left to right is Omar Tijerina, Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner, Maria A. Sanchez, Border Region Executive Director, and Jessica Vera-Rios, PhD, CRC, LPC, LSSP, Starr County Border Region Board Member.