FY 2024 behavioral health service expansion - the shortage of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services in humboldt county, california, is critically severe

A 2020 community needs assessment conducted by ST. Joseph's health systems identified a concerning lack of psychiatrists, counselors, and integrated care access, especially in the rural and outlying areas of our region. This GAP is particularly acute for youth, uninsured individuals, and persons experiencing homelessness. Since 1976, redwoods rural health center (rrhc) has provided responsive, preventive, high quality primary health care services through a variety of healing disciplines to the rural and isolated communities of humboldt county, california. Through the fiscal year 2024 behavioral health service expansion funding opportunity, redwood rural health center proposes a comprehensive program to enhance integrated care for individuals in need of behavioral health services and those experiencing mental health and substance use disorders (suds) throughout our 2,000 square mile service area. Building upon rrhc's foundation as a patient-centered medical home (pcmh) with established integrated behavioral health (ibhs) and community supports services (CSS) teams we will address these critical gaps in mental health and SUD services and develop a comprehensive program that will increase access to mental health services to the community and in our school-based behavioral health programs; centralize induction and other supportive services for persons experiencing substance abuse disorders (SUD); enhance and expand our current treatment environment; strengthen supportive case management services and expand treatment options for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. This program will promote preventive care and create a more supportive environment for treatment and recovery. Rrhc will track key metrics such as patient engagement, treatment completion rates, and reductions in hospital admissions and emergency d epartment visits. We will also collect client satisfaction data to ensure the program's effectiveness. This program seeks to leverage existing partnerships with the humboldt county continuum of care and department of health and human services and other community stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability for the betterment of our entire community.