The Houston Clinic receives $1.6 million in federal funding to expand mental health services.

Ashley Brown / Houston Public Media

Ibn Sina Foundation is expanding its mental health services after receiving $1.6 million in federal funding. Congressman Al Green presented a check to the fund during a press conference on Thursday.

Over the years, the Ibn Sina Foundation has noticed a growing need for additional mental health resources in Houston. Texas ranks lowest in the nation for mental health funding, according to local and state leaders.

“I’m so excited, this is the biggest check we’ve ever received, it’s really a great honor for all of us at Ibn Sina,” said Nasreddin Rupani, Chairman of the Board of the Ibn Sina Foundation.

$1.6 million in federal funding will enable the Wilcrest Community Clinic in southwest Houston to not only expand its current medical services, but also provide mental health services. The clinic has been serving low-income and uninsured residents for over 20 years, with six locations in Houston and one in Port Arthur.

Ibn Sina offers services in 14 medical specialties including neurology, dermatology, rheumatology, endocrinology and cardiology. The foundation partners with more than 50 organizations, including non-profit organizations, hospitals and government agencies.

Rupani said the money will allow the foundation to continue providing mental health resources to those who need them most.

“This $1.6 million will serve nearly 10,000 new patients here at this facility,” he said. “We are creating a completely new facility that will serve [those] 10,000 mental health patients.”

The foundation currently only provides mental health services a few days a month elsewhere, but Rupani said that as the need for mental health services increases, the foundation will have to increase the number of days it offers mental health services. .

“I think this is a great day for the organization,” Congressman Al Green said. “This organization has been an asset to this community, especially during the pandemic when it was really needed – when people needed to be vaccinated, when people needed to be tested – this organization was here.”

Greene said that Texas should be able to provide mental health care to all of its residents.

“Texas shouldn’t be last, Texas should be the best place in the country to live and the best place in the country to get good healthcare,” he said.

Greene said he hopes for additional funding for more mental health clinics in Houston. The mental health wellness center is expected to open in 2024.