FY 2024 behavioral health service expansion - background: rural health medical program, INC. (RHMP) serves a predominantly underserved population in the rural black belt of alabama, where rates of…

FY 2024 behavioral health service expansion - background: rural health medical program, INC. (RHMP) serves a predominantly underserved population in the rural black belt of alabama, where rates of poverty and health disparities are among the highest in the nation. A significant portion of this population suffers from untreated mental health and substance use disorders (SUD), exacerbated by limited access to behavioral health services. Project objective: the "whole care, whole community: integrating behavioral health with rural primary care" project aims to comprehensively expand mental health and SUD services into RHMP's existing primary care framework across its 9 locations and through a mobile health unit. This two-year initiative seeks to significantly increase the number of patients receiving these critical services, thus improving overall community health outcomes. Activities: service expansion: establish or expand mental health and SUD services across all RHMP locations. Mobile health unit deployment: utilize a mobile health unit to extend behavioral health services to remote and underserved areas, ensuring access to care for the most isolated patients. Staff training and development: enhance capabilities of existing primary care providers through targeted training in mental health and SUD management, including the administration of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Community engagement and education: conduct outreach and education campaigns to reduce stigma associated with behavioral health issues and promote service availability. Expected outcomes: increase in the number of patients receiving mental health services by 50%. Increase in the number of patients receiving SUD services by 50%, including those treated with MOUD. Improved integration of behavioral health into primary care settings, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Sustainability: beyond the grant period, RHMP will sustain expanded services through a mix of patient revenue, CON tinued grant funding strategies, and partnerships with local and state health organizations. This project aligns with hrsa's goals under the behavioral health service expansion program by addressing critical gaps in service provision, enhancing care quality, and reducing barriers to access for one of alabama's most vulnerable populations.