Primary Health Solutions (PHS) has been awarded a five-year, $2.725 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand treatment and recovery services for youth, young adults and families impacted by substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
PHS is one of only four organizations nationwide selected for SAMHSA’s Treatment and Recovery Services for Youth, Young Adults, and Families program — and the only Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to receive funding without a dual behavioral health designation. This award marks a significant step in shifting how federal funding supports community health centers that provide both traditional healthcare and behavioral health services under one system of care.
“This award is a transformational step for Primary Health Solutions and the communities we serve across Butler and Montgomery counties,” said Stephen Roller, President and CEO. “It reinforces the value of integrated, connected care — where medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health providers are all part of one health system working together for the patient. By expanding behavioral health treatment and recovery for young people and their families, we are helping to reduce barriers, strengthen support systems and create healthier futures for our communities.”
The grant will allow PHS to:
- Add three full-time behavioral health providers, including an RN care coordinator specializing in mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care.
- Increase training and resources to provide targeted services for adolescents (ages 12–17), young adults (ages 18–25), and their families.
- Strengthen school-based partnerships to offer education and early intervention for students, parents, and staff.
- Reduce fragmentation of care by integrating behavioral health, medical and pharmacy services — ensuring families can access comprehensive support in one place.
“Our strategic plan is built on innovation, integration and sustainability — and this award advances each of those priorities,” said Andrea Meirick, Chief Operating Officer. “With SAMHSA’s support, we can invest in the people, programs and partnerships that will allow us to deliver coordinated care more effectively and create lasting impact for the communities we serve.”
“By leading with mental health, we can improve outcomes across all areas of healthcare,” said Dr. Adam Brule, Director of Psychiatry and Project Director for the grant. “This grant allows us to provide specialized care for young people at a critical stage in their lives, while also supporting families with the tools and resources they need for long-term recovery and wellbeing.”
This initiative builds on PHS’s position as the one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in Butler County and will also expand access to affordable medications through its 340B pharmacy program. The project period runs from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2030.