Ashley Brown/Houston Public Media
of Ibn Sina Foundation expands mental health services after receiving $1.6 million in federal funding. Congressman Al Green presented the check to the foundation at a press conference on Thursday.
Over the years, the Ibn Sina Foundation has seen a growing need for more mental health resources in Houston. Texas has the lowest funding for mental health in the nation, according to local and state leaders.
“I am very excited. This is the biggest check we have ever received. Nasruddin Rupani said.
The $1.6 million federal funding will allow the foundation’s Wilcrest Community Clinic in southwest Houston to not only expand its current medical services, but also provide mental health services. With six locations in Houston and one in Port Arthur, the clinic has been serving low-income and uninsured residents for over 20 years.
Ibn Sina offers services across 14 specialties including neurology, dermatology, rheumatology, endocrinology and cardiology. The foundation partners with over 50 organizations, including nonprofits, hospitals and government agencies.
Rupani said the funding will allow the foundation to continue providing mental health resources to those most in need.
“This $1.6 million will serve approximately 10,000 new patients at this facility,” he said. “We are creating a brand new facility to serve [those] 10,000 patients for mental health services. ”
Currently, the foundation provides mental health services in other locations only a few days a month, but Rupani said as the need for mental health services grows, the foundation will need to increase the number of days it provides mental health services. I said there is.
“I think today is a great day for the organization,” said Congressman Al Green. “This organization has been an asset to this community, especially when the pandemic really needed it, when people had to be vaccinated, when people needed to be tested. This organization is here. It was in
Green said Texas should be able to provide mental health care to all residents.
“Texas shouldn’t be the last. Texas should be the best place to live in the country and the best place to have excellent healthcare in the country,” he said.
Green hopes to provide additional funding to more clinics treating mental health in Houston.
