Attorney General Kris Mayes has unveiled a new $6 million grant program, aimed at backing Tribal Nations and non-profit organizations in Arizona that are grappling with the aftermath of sober living home fraud. Funded through Arizona's Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund, this initiative includes 11 beneficiaries and provides up to $500,000 for each recipient. These funds are intended to offer compensation, remediation, and supportive housing initiatives for community members who have suffered due to the exploitative practices associated with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) scandal.
In an announcement, Attorney General Mayes emphasized the state's ongoing efforts to bring to justice those responsible for defrauding the system and the commitment to support the recovering individuals. "While we continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute the individuals and entities who have defrauded the state of millions of dollars and exploited these vulnerable individuals, I am proud to announce the recipients of our new grant program for Tribal Nations and nonprofits to provide direct support to individuals impacted by this fraud," Mayes stated.
The Sober Living Home Support Program grantees include a range of Tribal Nations and community-focused organizations who are now better equipped to aid in recovery and compensation for those ensnared by the fraudulent schemes. Among the recipients are the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Native Action Program, and the Navajo Veterans Organization, each allocated $500,000 to bolster their services. Additionally, organizations like Native Health, Tucson Indian Center, and San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation are among the others awarded various sums to further their cause in assisting affected individuals.
Asserting the intent behind the program, Attorney General Mayes articulated the goal of re-establishing a dependable recovery option for Native Arizonans who struggle with addiction. "Although we can never fully make up for the harm this fraud caused, we can make sure justice is served — and that Native Arizonans struggling with addiction have a recovery option they can rely on," Mayes told the public.
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