Connecting our neighbors by internet, providing everyone comprehensive TX - the connect initiative focuses on supporting & restoring the delivery of clinical services that were impacted by covid-19…

Connecting our neighbors by internet, providing everyone comprehensive TX - the connect initiative focuses on supporting & restoring the delivery of clinical services that were impacted by covid-19 and to effectively address the needs of those with SED/SMI/COD located in greenbrier, nicholas, pocahontas & webster counties in rural southern west virginia all of which suffer from covid-magnified rates of opioid overdose, poverty, unmet mental health needs, lack of transportation/broadband & stigma. The initiative will serve 1,175 clients (550-Y1, 625-Y2). Project goals (interventions/strategies) are to: support/restore the delivery of clinical services impacted by the covid-19 pandemic & effectively address the needs of those with SED/SMI/COD by (1) starting the connect mobile crisis unit via (a) executing mous w/ local 1ST responders (Y1); (b) purchasing 4 telehealth equipped mobile crisis response suvs (Y1); (c) hiring/training a mobile crisis supervisor (Y1); (d) hiring/training 4 mobile crisis responders & 8 mobile crisis peers to provide crisis services. (Y1); (e) training 911 operators, EMS & law enforcement on recognizing behavioral health conditions, DE-escalation, CIT & warm hand off of behavioral health crisis (Y1-2); (f) starting the mobile crisis unit (Y1M4). (2) addressing staff mental health needs via (a) initiating a program for staff GYM memberships (Y1); (b) initiating an employee assistance program (Y1). (3) starting rural connection hubs via (a) selecting 5 rural areas in which to establish hubs (2-Y1, 3-Y2); (b) hiring/training 9 care navigators in Y1 (+2 in Y2) to support hubs; (c) working with communities to select hub locations (Y1-2), (d) completing outreach activities in each selected rural area (Y1-Y2); (e) initiating telehealth capability in connection hub locations (Y1-Y2); (f) implementing the connect connection hubs (Y1M4). (4) initiating law enforcement liaisons via (a) working with county sheriffs to place 2 law enforcement mental health liaisons in target county departments (Y1) (+1 in Y2). (5) expanding SHS capacity to meet increased community need via (a) hiring/training 2 therapists to provide weekend/extended service hours (Y1); (b) hiring/training 4 case managers in Y1 & 2 in Y2 to ensure care continuity/support zero suicide; (c) hiring/training 2 health educators in Y1 (+1 Y2) to assess/educate medical clients; (d) hiring/training an IT tech to assist with increased telehealth usage (Y1); (e) purchasing relias training platform to improve staff training (Y1); (f) initiating the locus model of client treatment placement (Y1); (g) funding staff conference attendance (Y12). (6) improving client outcomes via (a) serving 550 clients-Y1/625-Y2; (b) significantly improving mental health functioning; (c) reducing substance use; (d) reducing # of psychiatric hospital admissions; (e) reducing # incarceration days; (f) retaining 80% of clients at 6-months, (g) ensuring that disparity groups have equal service access/use/outcomes Y1-2. (7) sustaining connect services via (a) hiring a project director to ensure service sustainability (Y1); (b) hiring an evaluation specialist to support data-driven sustainability (Y1); (c) initiating the advisory board.