Project Grant H79SM090008

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) was awarded a $2,000,000 Project Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance (CFDA 93.243) program. The purpose of this 5-year project is to increase behavioral health screening, access to mental health care, and improve the quality of care for underserved individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who are at high risk for co-morbid health conditions. MDPH will partner with three community health centers in Massachusetts to pilot the development, implementation, and evaluation of fully integrated behavioral health care services into existing primary care settings. The project will incorporate evidence-based practices such as integrated models for behavioral health and primary care, screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT), medications for addiction treatment, and peer support. The goal is to promote full integration of behavioral health services in community-based primary care to serve a total of 4,550 individuals over the project period.