Behavioral health navigator - the behavioral health navigator project intends to improve access to and knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services to the citizens of…

Behavioral health navigator - the behavioral health navigator project intends to improve access to and knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services to the citizens of polk county, florida. This project focuses on adult and children who have behavioral health needs but lack the ability to navigate the care system independently. This could include education about available services; provide information and referrals; assist in proper registration for needed benefits to support access, and direct assistance with scheduling appointments and completing system-based requirements for the appropriate level of care. Certain subgroups in the population will be prioritized, include those who have impending release from incarceration, recent discharge from inpatient psychiatric care, students identified with behavioral concerns, primary care, community based settings, etc., but a no wrong door model of care will be practiced so that all needing assistance with behavioral health care connection are eligible for assistance. Polk county is located in central florida and is the fourth largest county in the state. According to the 2020 US census, IT is the seventh fastest growing county in the nation. The county consists of 2,010 square miles and in 2021 had an estimated population of 753,520. The racial/ethnic composition of polk county is similar to the rest of florida, whereas the median household income is lower than the state median household income and the percent of persons living in poverty is higher. There were 7,648 involuntary mental health commitments (baker acts) in polk county in FY 17/18, with 22.75% associated with children, according to the state baker act annual report. From FY11 to FY18, the total population of polk county grew by 9.89% while the baker acts for all ages grew by approximately 109%. The number of baker acts associated with children (ages