FY 2024 behavioral health service expansion - health center program grant number: H80CS00768 needs to be addressed: the institute for family health, one of the largest federally qualified health…

FY 2024 behavioral health service expansion - health center program grant number: H80CS00768 needs to be addressed: the institute for family health, one of the largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCS) in new york state, proposes to expand access to behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) services to address unmet community needs. Across the institute's service areas in new york city and the mid-hudson valley, demand for these services greatly exceeds capacity, with many individuals experiencing long waits, as well as other barriers to health care access. The institute's existing health care teams and community partners report high need for greater access to mental health care for depression, anxiety and other conditions, particularly among young adults and youth. In addition, substance use and related risk for overdose remain high in the communities we serve, and there is limited availability of medication assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, both of which are significant drivers of morbidity and mortality in our communities. Proposed services: the proposed project will directly expand access to behavioral health and SUD services in these high need communities. With behavioral health service expansion funding, we will expand access to same-day behavioral health consultation in "hub" sites in our network. Through this model, patients will be connected with onsite, licensed mental health clinicians for immediate assessment, brief intervention and follow-up planning for ongoing treatment where indicated. We will also expand and enhance training for primary care providers and clinical support staff in the provision of SUD services, with a focus on medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders (MOUD/MAUD). In addition, we will undertake quality improvement activities across our organization to assure timely, patient-centered and coordinated access to treatment, such that a greater number of patients receive SUD services, including MOUD and MAUD. Population group(S) to be served: the proposed program will be available to both current and new patients of the institute for family health, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The institute serves people of all ages residing in predominantly low-income communities that have been historically neglected due to racism and poverty. About half of our current patients receive medicaid and a majority have unmet health-related social needs including food and housing insecurity, limited access to transportation and insufficient financial resources. With behavioral health service expansion funding, we will increase capacity to serve individuals affected by depression, anxiety, suds and related conditions that substantially impact quality of life and increase risk for premature death.