VP Harris ally Sewell delivers $13 million in grants to Selma, health clinics, Loveman Village, other projects

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing communities and improving healthcare access, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced a substantial grant package totaling $13.1 million. This federal funding is set to transform infrastructure in downtown Selma, expand mental health and substance use services, and renovate the Loveman Village Daycare Facility. The announcement was made during a series of press conferences held across the state, highlighting Rep. Sewell's dedication to securing resources for her constituents.

Transforming Selma Infrastructure

One of the key projects under this grant package is the revitalization of downtown Selma’s infrastructure. Specifically, $1,666,279 will be allocated to repair roads and sidewalks within a 12-block area of the city. This initiative is designed to foster economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Rep. Sewell emphasized the importance of these infrastructure projects, stating, “These projects help foster economic development and make our city a better place to live and work.” Her commitment to bringing federal dollars back to her district underscores her mission to make communities safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Expanding Mental Health Services

The grant package also includes a significant investment in mental health services. In total, $1.2 million will be allocated to expand mental health and substance use treatment services in Jefferson County and the Black Belt. This funding is part of a broader $240 million investment by the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance behavioral health care at community health centers nationwide.

Rep. Sewell highlighted the critical need for these services, noting, “In this great nation of so much wealth and abundance, no American should go without access to healthcare, whether you live in a big city or a small town.” She emphasized that lawmakers must ensure rural communities have access to necessary treatments and services, aligning with the administration's goals.

Renovating Loveman Village Daycare Facility

Another significant component of the grant package involves the renovation of the Loveman Village Daycare Facility. A check for $1 million was presented to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) to fund the renovation and expansion of the daycare. This project aims to provide high-quality, affordable childcare, ensuring that children have the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

Rep. Sewell expressed her pride in securing this major investment, saying, “No child should go without the resources and support they need to reach their God-given potential, and no parent should go without access to high-quality, affordable childcare. When we believe in our children and give them the space to learn and be challenged, the most amazing thing happens. They don’t just grow; they bloom!” Her enthusiasm underscores the importance of early childhood education in laying the foundation for future success.

Easing Mental Health Crises

In Selma, Rep. Sewell continued her efforts by delivering a check for $600,000 to the Rural Health Medical Program. This funding will be used to combat the mental health and opioid crises in the Black Belt, aligning with the broader effort to expand behavioral health services across America.

Rep. Sewell’s commitment to addressing the mental health crisis is evident in her statement, “We as lawmakers must do all that we can to ensure that our rural communities have access to the treatments and services they need to overcome mental health and substance use struggles, and that is exactly what this funding will do.”

Conclusion

Rep. Terri Sewell’s dedication to securing federal funding for various projects in Alabama is a testament to her role as a champion for her constituents. From revitalizing infrastructure in downtown Selma to expanding mental health services and renovating the Loveman Village Daycare Facility, these grants represent a substantial investment in the well-being of communities across the state.

As Rep. Sewell continues to advocate for her district, her efforts highlight the critical need for robust healthcare infrastructure and community development initiatives. These projects not only improve the quality of life for residents but also serve as a model for how federal funding can be leveraged to drive positive change at the local level.

References:

• Rep. Sewell Delivers $1.6 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services in Jefferson County and Renovate the Loveman Village Daycare Facility
• Rep. Sewell Delivers $2.2 Million in Federal Funding to Revitalize Selma Infrastructure and Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services
• Rep. Sewell Announces $1.2 Million to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment