Birmingham, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) was in Birmingham, Alabama to announce major federal funding that she secured to expand mental health and substance use treatment services in Jefferson County and renovate the Loveman Village Daycare Facility.

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At a press conference Friday morning, Rep. Sewell was joined by Alabama Regional Medical Services (ARMS) CEO Dr. Ted Greer Jr. to deliver a check for $600,000 that she helped secure from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding will be used to expand the program’s mental health and substance use services and combat the mental health and opioid crisis. It is part of a $240 million investment by the Biden-Harris Administration to expand behavioral health services at community health centers across America. 

“I am so grateful for the hard work of the amazing health care professionals at Alabama Regional Medical Services, and I am so proud to have secured this investment to help them expand their reach,” said Rep. Sewell. “This funding will allow for more Alabamians to get the services they need to overcome mental health struggles and addiction.” 

“Alabama Regional Medical Services is deeply honored to receive this significant funding from HRSA to expand and integrate behavioral health services into primary care,” said Alabama Regional Medical Services (ARMS) CEO, Dr. Thomas Greer, Jr. “Our communities are increasingly facing mental health and substance use disorders challenges, and this award will allow us to better serve our patients. With this investment, ARMS will be better positioned to help address these challenges and achieve improved mental health and wellness outcomes in Birmingham, Alabama and the surrounding areas. We thank HRSA for this award and for recognizing the need in the City of Birmingham and for their continued partnership with ARMS in providing quality health care to children, youth and families in our community.”

Later Friday morning, Rep. Sewell visited the Loveman Village Daycare Facility and was joined by Birmingham Housing Authority President and CEO Dontrelle Young Foster, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools Dr. Mark Sullivan, and local elected officials to present a check for $1 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD). The funding will be used to renovate and expand the daycare facility at the former Loveman Village to accommodate more children. It is part of the $13.1 million that Rep. Sewell secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal government funding package for local projects in Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District.

“I am so proud to have secured this major investment in the Loveman Village Daycare Facility and I am so grateful to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District for their partnership in this effort,” said Rep. Sewell. “In this great country, no child should go without the resources and support they need to reach their God-given potential, and no parent should go without access to high-quality, affordable childcare. When we believe in our children and give them the space to learn and be challenged, the most amazing thing happens. They don’t just grow; they bloom!”

"HABD is appreciative to have representation at our nation’s capital who advocates for our communities and for our residents," said Dontrelle Young Foster, President and CEO of HABD. "Early childhood education is a vital part of the foundation for success and these funds will truly make an impact for generations to come."

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