New Scholarship Offers Lifeline for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

PITTSBURGH, PA – April 14, 2026 – In a move to combat the growing crisis of accessibility in behavioral healthcare, Aliya Health Group and The N.O.W. Matters More Foundation have announced a landmark partnership to launch the Light the Way Treatment Scholarship Program. The initiative aims to dismantle one of the most significant barriers to recovery—cost—by providing full scholarships for 30-day residential treatment programs to individuals struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.

This collaboration brings together a leading healthcare provider and a dedicated non-profit to offer a tangible solution for those caught in a difficult financial position, unable to afford the high price of inpatient care. Individuals can apply at no cost and, if they meet clinical criteria, receive essential treatment without the burden of financial strain.

The Crippling Cost of Care

For countless Americans, the path to recovery is blocked by a formidable financial wall. The cost of a standard 30-day residential treatment program can range from $5,000 to over $30,000, with some specialized facilities charging upwards of $60,000. Even with health insurance, many individuals face high deductibles and substantial out-of-pocket expenses that make life-saving care seem unattainable.

This financial gap disproportionately affects middle-class families who may not qualify for government-funded, low-income assistance but lack the disposable income to cover thousands of dollars in unexpected medical bills. The Light the Way scholarship is specifically designed to bridge this gap, offering a critical lifeline to those who would otherwise fall through the cracks. By covering the full cost of a 30-day stay, including detoxification and residential services, the program eliminates the agonizing choice between financial stability and personal health.

"Our mission has always been to provide exceptional care to those who need it, but financial limitations often keep individuals from getting help," said Frank Severino, Chief Marketing Officer at Aliya Health Group. "This partnership with The N.O.W. Matters More Foundation is a vital step forward. By removing these financial and logistical hurdles, we can make life-saving treatment truly accessible and highly impactful for our patients."

A Partnership of Expertise and Action

The strength of the Light the Way program lies in the synergy between its two founding organizations. Aliya Health Group, which launched in 2022 by consolidating respected centers like Footprints to Recovery and Royal Life Centers, operates a nationwide network of accredited treatment facilities across Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Oklahoma. The organization is known for its comprehensive, evidence-based approach, integrating modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with holistic practices to treat the whole person.

Their commitment to quality is reflected in their high patient satisfaction scores, which average 4.6 out of 5, surpassing the national benchmark. Aliya Health Group also provides specialized programs for veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and Native Americans, ensuring that care is not only accessible but also culturally competent and tailored to individual needs. This clinical infrastructure will provide the foundation for the care offered through the scholarship.

Complementing this clinical expertise is The N.O.W. Matters More Foundation, a non-profit with over a decade of experience in breaking down barriers to recovery. Founded by Luis Delgado, the foundation has a proven track record, having provided scholarship assistance to approximately 300 individuals annually. Its work focuses on vetting treatment programs, connecting individuals with appropriate care, and providing the financial support necessary to begin the journey of recovery. This long-standing commitment and operational experience ensure that the scholarship program is built on a solid history of advocacy and successful intervention.

How the 'Light the Way' Scholarship Works

The application process has been designed for simplicity and accessibility. Prospective candidates can apply at no cost through the Aliya Health Group website. Eligibility is based on clinical need for detoxification and residential services, a demonstrated financial barrier to accessing care, and a willingness to fully engage in the treatment process.

Once an application is submitted, Aliya Health Group's admissions team conducts a thorough assessment to determine if the individual meets the medical criteria for one of their programs. If deemed a suitable fit, the scholarship covers a complete 30-day stay at the most appropriate facility within the network, allowing the individual to focus entirely on their recovery without the stress of mounting debt.

This streamlined process ensures that help is delivered swiftly to those who are ready to make a change. The partnership's goal is to remove as many logistical hurdles as possible, requiring only a genuine commitment to recovery from the applicant.

A Beacon in a Broader Storm

While the Light the Way scholarship represents a significant and hopeful step forward, it also casts a light on systemic gaps in the nation's healthcare landscape. Federal bodies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) distribute billions in block grants to states for treatment services, yet access remains a persistent challenge due to insurance limitations, geographic disparities in provider availability, and workforce shortages.

Private initiatives like this one are becoming increasingly crucial in filling the void where public funding and insurance coverage fall short. The collaboration between a for-profit healthcare provider and a non-profit foundation serves as a powerful model for how cross-sector partnerships can generate targeted, high-impact solutions to complex public health crises.

As Aliya Health Group and The N.O.W. Matters More Foundation work to raise awareness and expand the scholarship's reach, their efforts serve as both a practical resource for individuals in desperate need and a call to action for broader, more systemic changes to ensure that no one is denied the chance at recovery simply because they cannot afford it.