January 26, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that Tribal organizations in the state, and the Oregon Health Authority will receive a combined $4.66 million in federal COVID-19 grants for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

A release from the senators said the funds will go to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest and OHA.

Wyden said “The mental health impacts from COVID-19 have been profound with isolation, substance abuse and more throughout Oregon and nationwide”. He said these health investments will help, but said much more needs to be done “…to make sure mental health is treated with equal concern for Tribal members and all Oregonians”.

Merkley said “The challenges of this pandemic have further emphasized what so many of us, our friends, and our family members have known: Mental health care is essential care”. Merkley said he is grateful that the funding is headed to tribal communities.

Grants include:

*$1.08 million to the Confederated Tribe of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

*$500,000 to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians

*$1.08 million to the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest

*$2.0 million to the Oregon Health Authority