News Release

Media Contact: Andrew Kauders (202) 720-4623
andrew.kauders@usda.gov
Public Contact: La Jaycee Brown (202) 720-9741
ljbrown@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA SUPPORT FOR RURAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE TOPS $70 MILLION

WASHINGTON, June 7, 1999–Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced that USDA has provided more than $70 million for mental health facilities in the nation's rural areas during the Clinton-Gore Administration. The facilities range from drug and alcohol treatment centers to group homes for developmentally disabled people.

"With their smaller and more dispersed populations, rural areas often have greater difficulty financing and maintaining mental health facilities," Glickman said at a White House Conference on Mental Health. "Yet alcohol, drug addiction, and the heartbreak of mental illness and mental disabilities are just as prevalent in rural America as they are in urban and suburban areas. USDA financial support can often make the difference in ensuring that mental health services are available to rural residents."

In the latest project, USDA is guaranteeing a loan of more than $1.025 million to the Clermount Counseling Center, east of Cincinnati, Ohio. The center provides mental health services to about 1,500 people every year. USDA typically guarantees 80 to 90 percent of a community facility loan. The program enables rural lenders to expand their lending limits and greatly reduce their risk.

Since 1993, USDA has provided:

$41 million for medical rehabilitation centers or group homes for learning disabled people in 31 states;

$14.3 million for vocational rehabilitation centers in 15 states; and

$13 million for psychiatric hospitals in nine states.

"Most of these facilities were built or expanded using loans or grants provided through USDA's Community Facilities Program," said Jill Long Thompson, USDA under secretary for rural development. "I urge communities across America to access these funds to ensure a wide range of needed mental health services in rural areas."

Rural communities seeking additional information about USDA's Community Facilities Program should call (202) 720-4323, then select the number for housing program information.

Click here for a list of USDA Financed Mental Health Care Facilitilies.

Return to Rural Development News and Information Room