Shields for families certified community behavioral health clinic - shields for families (shields)' ccbhc project focuses on one of the poorest and most under-resourced areas in south LOS angeles,…

Shields for families certified community behavioral health clinic - shields for families (shields)' ccbhc project focuses on one of the poorest and most under-resourced areas in south LOS angeles, including the athens, compton, crenshaw, florence, hyde park, lynwood, paramount, and watts neighborhoods. Through targeted outreach shields will address social health needs and expand access to community-based behavioral health services for latinx and black adults and children experiencing disparities. Our ccbhc will provide person-centered, family-centered, and trauma-informed behavioral health services, including outpatient mental health and substance use treatment and crisis services; primary health care screening and monitoring; peer supports; psychiatric care, and community-based mental health care for members of the armed forces and veterans, with plans to serve 2,750 individuals over the four-year period. Project goals are inclusive of 1) expanding access to community-based BH services, 2) improving data informed care delivery; 3) deepening local engagement; and 4) addressing social health barriers to care. Shields is a nationally and internationally recognized organization that offers award-winning services in LOS angeles' most challenged communities. Since 1991, shields has offered a comprehensive continuum of culturally sensitive services that empower and advocate for high-risk families in south LOS angeles. Our geographic catchment area is a hrsa designated medically underserved area, and access to care is severely limited for our population of focus. Residents of our catchment area experience a high rate of behavioral health and SUD intervention need and face significant barriers to accessing care. According to the 2021 chis, in south LOS angeles, 17.5% of teens and adults likely have had serious psychological distress during the past year; 13.5% of adults have seriously thought about committing suicide, 50.5% of teens have had adverse childhood experiences (aces), 37.9% of teens reported needing help for emotional/mental health problems, and 19.5% of adults reporting needing help for emotional/mental health problems or use of alcohol/drug. Methamphetamine use is a particular challenge in the community, and according to LOS angeles substance abuse prevention control (sapc), methamphetamine-related hospitalizations and ED visits increased in LOS angeles county from 2010-2017 and remained high through 2020. Additionally, methamphetamine-related deaths increased 1,185 percent between 2010 and 2020. To address these complex issues and health disparities, shields will utilize ccbhc funding to expand access to community-based behavioral health care services, improve data informed care delivery and enhance continuous quality improvement. Through the project, shields intends to deepen local engagement and promote local awareness of and access to ccbhc services and address social barriers to care. Shields will increase local outreach, expand access to care through hiring and community partnerships, modify internal data analytics and information technology infrastructure to better understand and address the community's growing needs, and address social needs by supplying transportation, employment supports, and on-site childcare.