Access and engagement in mental health for oneida county NY - upstate cerebral palsy (UCP)'s cmhc is a NYS article 31 outpatient mental health clinic

With this grant, UCP-cmhc will expand access to services for 400 individuals with SMI, SED, and COD each year (600 unduplicated over the course of the project period). UCP's proposed service area, oneida county, NY is home to nearly a quarter million people. Oneida county is a federally designated health professional shortage area (hpsa) and with pockets of socio-economic distress. Compounded by the negative impact of covid-19, there is significant need to improve the disparities in mental health services and outcomes in the area. Population served: UCP-cmhc will target individuals with SMI, SED, and COD. The majority of the populations served will be located in the county's largest city, utica. In utica, one-third of the population is living below the poverty line. In addition to exhibiting signs of socioeconomic distress, the county is home to a significant number of special populations including nearly 15,000 veterans and over 18,000 foreign-born individuals (19% of population). These special populations are particularly at-risk for increased behavioral health (BH) needs and health disparities; for example studies have found that BH disorders (ptsd, depression, and anxiety) were the most prevalent health concern among the refugee population. Furthermore, the pandemic has led to increases in individuals reporting mental health needs. According to a nyshealth report, throughout the pandemic more than one-third of adult new yorkers reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression - triple the number during recent pre-pandemic periods. Strategies and interventions: to address health disparities and better serve frontline staff, UCP will complete the following required activities. UCP will establish, strengthen, and r sustain the infrastructure necessary to provide audio and audio-visual telehealth capabilities by establishing telehealth pods and better equipping staff to deliver remote care. UCP will provide outpatient services for individuals with SED, SMI, and COD in the proposed service area utilizing evidence based practices and highly trained staff. UCP will provide trauma informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, and patient-centered treatment planning and treatment delivery. UCP will provide clinical and recovery support services through BH navigators and certified recovery peer advocates. UCP will develop and provide resources to address the mental health needs of cmhc including wellness retreats, breakroom enhancements, and equipping a conference room as an employee training and education center. Goals and objectives: UCP hopes to achieve the following goals: (1) increase access to mental health care for individuals with SED/SMI/COD (2) enhance recovery support services (3) increase availability of high-quality behavioral health services and culturally competent, trauma-informed care staff in the region and (4) increase staff wellness and satisfaction.