EPCOG awarded $2 million grant to help with behavioral health, substance abuse programs

The Eastern Plains Council of Governments has secured a $2 million grant from the federal government’s Human Resources and Services Administration.

According to a news release from EPCOG, the grant money will be used to establish a four-year program to support behavioral health and fight substance abuse in Curry, Roosevelt, DeBaca and Quay counties.

EPCOG will act as the fiscal and oversight agent of the grant program.

Executive director of the United Way of Eastern New Mexico, Erinn Burch, said the grant is very important.

“This is vital to support the efforts of rural teachers, counselors and providers who are strengthening families fighting substance abuse,” Burch said.

Clovis mayor Mike Morris describes the grant as “an excellent opportunity to further address behavioral health needs in the area.”

The director of Regional Education Cooperative number six, Scott McMath, called word of the awarding of the grant “exciting news” for the rural school districts of eastern New Mexico.

“The need for mental and behavioral health services has dramatically increased in the past couple of years,” McMath said. “The awarding of this grant will provide the crucial funds to provide these services to students.”