Legislators Announce $6 Million for CMHA

New Britain state legislators, Sen. Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-25), Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) and Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26) thanked Gov. Ned Lamont (D) for $6 million to complete new Community Mental Health Affiliates housing facilities.

The facility, the New Britain legislative delegation says, is, “to house in the future two residential programs assisting people with long-term health issues,” serving, “about three dozen individuals with chronic medical or mental health issues,” at 66 Clinic Drive, “to be renamed ‘Kensington Gardens’.”

“For years,” Sen. Lopes said, “Community Mental Health Affiliates has been a lifeline for people struggling with their mental health and other health challenges. Through this funding, CMHA can continue to provide critical services to their clients in an environment that is spacious and tailored to their clients’ needs.”

On December 21, 2021, the State Bond Commission approved $6 million as, “a grant-in-aid to the Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. for cost overruns at 66 Clinic Drive in New Britain. Asbestos and mold were discovered when renovating the facility which will need to be remediated.”

“The need for adequate mental health services is at an all-time high across our state and country,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “Community Mental Health Affiliates have been an indispensable part of our community for many years lending their services for those that need help. This funding will go a long way to improving services and I thank Governor Lamont for including this important item on the agenda.”

Rep. Robert Sanchez said that, “I wholeheartedly support the good work of Community Mental Health Affiliates as many lives have been enriched by their services delivered through a dedicated and committed staff.”

“I am a big fan of Community Mental Health Affiliates,” said Rep. Tercyak. “I’m familiar with their services, having previously been a homecare nurse for a few of their folks. I’ll always support a CMHA housing initiative because I’ve seen the good that they do.”

The legislators thanked Gov. Lamont for prioritizing the funding for the CMHA programs. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the many benefits that CMHA’s facility renovation will bring,” said Sen. Lopes.

Gov. Lamont said praised CMHA, saying, “Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain provides an invaluable service to so many people in the region.”

“Through this state funding,” the Governor said, “we can help ensure that this nonprofit organization has a safe place to operate and they can continue serving the community.”

Community Mental Health Affiliates said that it,

is a leading provider of an integrated health and behavioral health care system for children, families, and adults. By fostering improvement in the quality of life for their clients, CMHA contributes to the well-being of the communities it serves.

The New Britain legislative delegation said that, “For over two decades, the provider has given 24/7 residential care to some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable individuals.”

“CMHA,” the delegation says, “offers numerous supports for individuals in their care or seeking their assistance including employment services, the Team Time Social Club, outpatient and in-home service programs, and residential programs.”

Raymond J. Gorman, President and CEO of CMHA had said that, “CMHA operates an extensive mental health and addiction services delivery system throughout the state. We have 40 years of experience as one of the largest behavioral health care providers in Connecticut, and we provide treatment for over 7,300 children, adolescents, and adults each year.”

The New Britain legislative delegation earlier also announced a $2.5 million State Bond Commission allocation for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain‘s Camp Schade.