Mass. Gives $8M To Mental Health Programs

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has awarded nearly $8 million to 22 organizations around the state to increase access to mental health and substance abuse services.

The grant program is funded with money recovered in a settlement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Recipients of the grants will build on or establish programs to improve the delivery of services to underserved populations by reducing crime, violence, suicide or homelessness.

Some organizations to receive grants are: Alliance for Inclusion and Prevention, offering services for students with anxiety, depression and other disorders; Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, to increase access to services for young victims of sexual violence; and the Lynn Community Health Center, providing behavioral health services to at-risk children in three elementary schools and Early Childhood Center.

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