Everyone needs a little help sometimes, said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, including himself.

That need for help has led the city to launch the Gary Health Department’s new behavioral health division, Melton and other officials announced Thursday morning.

“With the stress of life, the stress of jobs and the stress of just everything day-to-day, sometimes we need someone with expertise to talk to us, listen and provide guidance,” Melton said.

“Whether you’re dealing with financial stress, family challenges or just feeling overwhelmed, you deserve support for your mental health just as much as your physical health.”

The health department’s new behavioral health division is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

When it became law in 2021, ARPA provided about $350 billion in additional funding to state and local governments, according to the Government Finance Officers Association. Eligible uses of funds include revenue replacement, COVID-19 expenditures, premium pay for essential workers, and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

The Gary Common Council had to approve all uses of ARPA funds by December 2024. Melton said Thursday that the behavioral health unit wouldn’t be possible without the council’s collaboration.

With the ARPA funding, the city awarded grants to 10 local organizations dedicated to addressing mental health and addiction challenges. Those organizations will partner with the city to help provide behavioral health services, including emergency housing, youth addiction programs and crisis intervention, according to the city of Gary.

According to a news release, the Gary Health Department conducted three listening sessions in January and February to inform providers on the request for proposals process. The department has used tracking systems for payment and transparent documentation through the grant funding process.

Organizations receiving funding include: the Sojourner Truth House, City Life, Butterfly Dreamz, Crisis Center Inc., Faith Community Center, Flourish Community Hub, For the Love of the Arts Summer Camp, Edgewater Youth Addictions, Compassion Care Community and All Things Autism.

“This investment reflects our belief that Gary’s recovery must include mental, emotional and spiritual healing — not just economic development,” Melton said. “I’m committed to working with our partners, like the Interfaith Action Network, to keep building here and to help invest in our residents.”

The Rev. Rameen Jackson with Interfaith Action Coalition said Thursday that the organization was created five years ago to be available for Gary residents to talk about their mental health and receive needed help.

“We were able to come together and talk passionately about the needs of our community and what we want to happen within our community,” Jackson said. “No work can be done by itself. No group can do anything by themselves.”

Gary Health Commissioner Dr. Janet Seabrooks said Thursday that she’s happy to take on the work that Melton has wanted since coming into office. She believes the behavioral health department will benefit residents citywide.

The behavioral health division will continue to monitor community impact throughout 2025, and city leadership will look for ways to keep the program sustainable long-term.

Through the department and funding, Seabrook believes the organizations receiving grants can network and learn how to best work together for the community.

“In sharing the knowledge they have — that institutional, organizational knowledge they have with patients — that’s going to be a way they can better serve the community,” Seabrook said. “That can help reduce harm and end the cycle (of mental health challenges).”

mwilkins@chicagotribune.com