The Elizabeth Layton Center has been awarded a National Grant to help expand local access to mental health services. The Grant from the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is expected to be $4 million over the next four years. Executive Director at ELC, Dr. Leslie Bjork, says the need in our area is great. Last year alone, the ELC saw 843 new adult intakes and 592 new intakes among children and teens. In total, they provided 216,306 services in the community during 2021, ranging from outpatient mental health, substance abuse treatment and family therapy, to 24/7 crisis assessment and specialty services for clients with severe mental illness. Bjork says the Grant will add 23 more full time positions, and expand the reach of 24/7 crisis services and same day access services. It will also address the increase in demand for youth services and the ability to provide care for military members and veterans seeking care for issues like post traumatic stress disorder.
President of ELC’s Board of Directors, Colt Waymire, says the Grant allows an increase in services without increasing taxes, while serving greater numbers of young people and veterans.
