Rbha's sbirt project - the richmond behavioral health authority (rbha) seeks funding to enhance/expand current services to youth and adults by adding sbirt processes into current youth services (in…

Rbha's sbirt project - the richmond behavioral health authority (rbha) seeks funding to enhance/expand current services to youth and adults by adding sbirt processes into current youth services (in the school setting) and adult services in our clinic. The three primary goals of the rbha sbirt project include: 1) improve overall health, wellness and recovery for youth with substance use disorders and/or behavioral health conditions by providing sbirt, case management and wrap-around services; 2) improve overall health, wellness and recovery for adults with substance use disorders and/or behavioral health conditions by providing sbirt, case management and wrap-around services; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the project in achieving the goals and objectives. The target population is individuals with serious emotional disturbance (SED), serious mental illness (SMI), and individuals with SMI or SED and substance use disorders, referred to as CO-occurring disorder. We will serve both adults and youth. The population of focus are more than 50% youth (aged 12 to 21). Demographics of the target population include: 59% african american, 29% caucasian; 98% speak english as their primary language; 54% male; 1% transgender; 8% identify as GAY or lesbian and 73% receive medicaid. Rbha serves 35% youth/young adults age 0-21; 6% receiving a SUD diagnosis. CO-occurring behavioral health disorders are prevalent in an estimated 42%. Opioids and cocaine are the most commonly reported drugs used among adults. For youth, marijuana use is reported by 84%; alcohol 17%; cocaine and opioids both at 7%. Nicotine use and vaping are reported as heavy use by the schools as well as using THC edibles. Common mental health disorders include: major depressive disorder; schizoaffective disorder; and bipolar disorder. Most of the individuals served are economically dependent, have limited education and limited or nonexistent employment histories. Many were born and raised in urban neighborhoods characterized by multi-generational addiction, poverty, violence and trauma. The sbirt project aims to serve 1,110 individuals over the course of the five-year grant period (110 in year 1; 250 in each of years 2-5).