Beebe Healthcare Receives $1 Million Grant for Community Harm Reduction Outreach Project

A $1 million federal grant will provide significant support to Beebe Healthcare’s substance abuse and mental health initiative in Sussex County.

Beebe’s Community Harm Reduction Outreach project addresses the challenges and needs of increased substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders through the provision of evidence-based practices of prevention, treatment, recovery support, stigma reduction, and trauma informed care.

“These funds will directly impact Beebe’s ability to further expand access to this critical program of care throughout Sussex County,” said Bill Chasanov, DO, Beebe’s Chief Health System Design Officer. “Beebe’s Community Mobile Health Clinic, Community Outreach team, and Behavioral Health team reach thousands of community members every year and help them find the resources they need.”

Thanks to the advocacy of U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, the funding was awarded from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Beebe Healthcare is a critical partner in delivering quality and reliable health care – including harm-reduction services – to Sussex County residents, and I am proud to have secured this federal funding for Beebe alongside Senator Carper through the Community Project Funding process,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), member of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force.

“These federal dollars will provide Beebe with the resources it needs to build out its evidence-based practices that make up the Community Harm-Reduction Outreach Program – bringing increased support and treatment to those experiencing substance use disorders in our communities.”

When integrated as part of the continuum of care, harm reduction is a proactive approach to addressing the public health epidemic involving substance use and other harms related to drug use.

The project will include outreach to all areas of Sussex County where there is greatest need. Mobile healthcare and harm reduction services including HIV/HCV testing and education, wound care, naloxone kits and training, MOUD/MAT services and referrals and transportation to other needed services will be provided.

“This federal grant to Beebe Healthcare will go a long way to meet the needs of patients right where they are,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Transportation and access should not be a barrier to getting the critical tests and health care services Delawareans need, and I applaud Beebe for its efforts to reach all parts of Sussex County to better address our most vulnerable residents experiencing addiction.”

By providing direct access to healthcare, social services, education, testing, and treatment, Beebe can reduce ongoing disparities for under-resourced, vulnerable, and at-risk populations in Sussex County. As Beebe’s philanthropic arm, Beebe Medical Foundation is essential in the process of applying, receiving and appropriating grants for the healthcare system’s programs.

“The Beebe Medical Foundation is very grateful for the seamless collaboration with Rep. Blunt Rochester and Sen. Carper. One of the joys of living in the State of Delaware is working so closely with our elected officials in Washington, D.C. who know very personally our needs here at home, and always are willing to help,” said Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation.