Henry Cuellar

03/05/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Rep. Cuellar Helps Deliver $4,000,000 in Federal Funds to PILLAR Laredo

Laredo, TX - Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped deliver $4,000,000 in federal funds to PILLAR Laredo. This funding, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) grant program, will be used to Implement Project Consolidated Treatment Services (CTS) that will establish a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic offering integrated behavioral health, substance abuse, primary care, and 24-hour Crisis Intervention Services (CIS).

'Mental health resources and programs are essential to an individual's growth and well-being,' said Congressman Cuellar. 'As we continue to battle an unprecedented pandemic, the effects of the health and economic hardships we're facing has put an emotional and mental strain on many South Texans. This $4 million investment will allow PILLAR to continue their mission in promoting one's own independence and improving the overall quality of life for their patients. I would like to thank Co-Founders Arturo Diaz and Manuel Sanchez, the Board of Trustees as well as all staff, consultants, and partners for helping people of all ages learn to cope with or overcome their mental health and behavioral struggles.

'PILLAR would like to wholeheartedly thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his assistance in delivering this much needed award of $4 million,' said Manny Sanchez, PILLAR Co-Founder. 'An award of this magnitude is significant to our community in the impact it will have on the lives of those people it will help.'

'In our partnership efforts, specifically when it comes to establishing the 24-hour CIS, PILLAR is excited to work with the City of Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sheriff's Department,' said Arturo Diaz, PILLAR Co-Founder. 'Our law enforcement members are on the frontline of being able to recognize when someone needs help, so partnering with both these agencies is critical in providing immediate intervention to those who need it quickly.'

Other services that will be established with the $4 million include:

  • Screening, assessment, and diagnoses
  • Treatment and crisis planning
  • Outpatient mental health and substance use services
  • Outpatient primary care
  • Targeted case management
  • Psychiatric services
  • Peer recovery support services
  • Intensive, community-based, mental health treatment for active military/veterans.

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure over $1.7 billion in the FY21 Appropriations bill for SAMHSA and their efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

PILLAR was founded in 2010 to service the youth of the community of Laredo and surrounding areas who are victims of bullying, have attempted suicide, or are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Today, PILLAR has grown into a behavioral health center, outpatient substance abuse treatment center, STI testing and treatment clinic and drug testing facility.