Press Releases

PRESCOTT, AZ - Representative Paul A. Gosar, DDS (AZ-04) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to award a $1,000,000 Rural Communities Opioid Response Implementation grant to WestCare Arizona, Incorporated in Bullhead City, Arizona.

“I am pleased to announce that WestCare Arizona, which operates Hildy’s House and other programs in Bullhead City, will receive this critical funding to continue the vital role in caring for people with drug addiction and other substance abuse problems in a dignified, private, and successful way

I personally saw the work WestCare is providing in Bullhead City and met the staff and residents of Hildy's House. Helping the forgotten victims of the illegal drug trade is long overdue and I congratulate WestCare, Cheryl DeBatt and Supervisor Angius for the accomplishments to date and look for more good news in the future.

Because of Hildy’s House, countless women in our community have been helped.  This funding ensures that Hildy’s House will continue to offer hope to many more struggling with addiction and want to recover,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

"WestCare Arizona is pleased to accept the 2021-22 HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response-Implementation Grant for $1m to be spread over a three-year term. This grant will be used for coordination with other organizations within Mohave County for the continuum of care so important to client success.  In addition, a portion will go to assist non or underinsured clients seeking help for opioid addiction at Hildy’s House, WestCare’s 16 bed women's behavioral health residential treatment facility located in Bullhead City.  I’d like to thank Congressman Gosar and his staff for visiting Hildy’s House last month and meeting with the women who are working hard to change and better their lives by dealing with their substance abuse issues,” added Cheryl Debatt, Vice President of WestCare Arizona.

Background:
On Friday, August 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Congressional Grant Notification of an HHS discretionary grant award Westcare Arizona, Incorporated to provide $1 million in federal funding to help combat opioid addiction in rural communities.

Hildy’s House is a 16-bed, behavioral health residential center located in Bullhead City, Arizona that provides treatment for drugs and alcohol addiction.  It is named after County Supervisor Hildy Angius, who is an outspoken supporter of recovery.

Drug abuse, including fentanyl and heroin, have plagued parts of Bullhead City.  Earlier this year, 12 people were arrested there, including suspected Mexican cartel members from the Sinaloa Cartel.  Over one pound of heroin was confiscated, and three illegal aliens were captured as part of the arrest: 

• Juan Francisco Romero-Valdez, 43, of Sinaloa, Mexico
• Salvador Solis Contreras, 42, also of Sinaloa, Mexico
• Gerson Gaudiel Rodriguez, 38, of Guatemala

The grant money helps to provide treatment to people who suffer from addiction and get them into a manner of decision making that leads them away from drugs.