WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a total of $5,497,670 in grant funding to several Maine initiatives aimed at improving Head Start programs as well as mental health and addiction services.

The funding includes awards for the Waldo Community Action Partners and the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, to continue area Head Start programs. The funding also includes support for education programs at the Passamaquoddy Child Development Center.

“Maine is fortunate to have many community organizations that provide stepping-stones to greater educational opportunities,” Senators Collins and King said.  “This funding will support the Head Start programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties and the valuable services they provide young children and their families.”

The funding also includes $256,689 in grant support for a multi-component language immersion program for restoring the traditional Passamaquoddy language.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Mental Health Services, announced $249,263 in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grants for the Mid Coast Hospital and the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Established by Congress, the Center for Mental Health Services promotes the prevention and treatment of mental disorders, bringing new hope to families who are facing serious mental illness.

“Substance abuse and mental health programs are important to building healthier, and more prosperous communities,” the Senators continued.

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