Massachusetts will provide $8 million to 22 organizations offering mental and behavioral health services.
State Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office announced the Behavioral Health Grant program Tuesday. In a statement, Coakley says part of the effort is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse.
The AG’s office awarded Pittsfield-based Berkshire Health Systems $500,000 to connect care providers and patients in rural areas.
Statewide and regional projects funded over the next two years involve direct care, public awareness, training and screenings.
The program uses money recovered by the state through a 2013 settlement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, resulting from illegal marketing charges.
