Behavioral health care services for underserved poplutions - Project Abstract Project Summary: Cascade AIDS Project seeks seed funding for the pilot project, Behavioral Health Care Services for Underserved Populations, that will expand access to safe, welcoming, high quality behavioral health services for the local community in southwest Washington. This project will serve at least 90 unique clients in this initial pilot phase, with ramp-up to full provider caseloads thereafter, increasing the region’s behavioral health provider capacity by up to 3.0FTE. Full Abstract: Cascade AIDS Project seeks seed funding for the pilot project, Behavioral Health Care Services for Underserved Populations, that will expand access to safe, welcoming, high quality behavioral health services for the local community. This project addresses the pressing need to better reach LGBTQ+ residents who experience disproportionately higher rates of behavioral health issues, yet disproportionately lower access to affirming, knowledgeable healthcare. A recent University of Washington survey of the LGBTQ+ community found more than half of respondents said they had experienced anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, 76% of adult respondents reported delaying needed health care, with 44% saying they feel there is no LGBTQ+ friendly health care in their area. Over 50% of respondents identified mental-health services as most needed. Cascade AIDS Project operates the only non-profit LGBTQ+ health center providing comprehensive and behavioral healthcare in the Pacific Northwest, and this project will allow the organization to expand its Southwest Washington services to include behavioral health services sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Within 1 year, at least 90 unique clients will be served in this initial pilot phase, with ramp-up to full provider caseloads thereafter, increasing the region’s behavioral health provider capacity by up to 3.0FTE over the project period. By the end of the project period, Cascade AIDS Project will have increased the region’s behavioral health capacity, as measured by the following objectives: · Needs assessment conducted of LGBTQ+ health needs and service gaps, with findings summarized in a written report, that informs CAP programming and staffing · Up to 3.0 FTE behavioral health providers and 2.0FTE administrative staff members hired, onboarded, trained, credentialed · At least 90 unduplicated clients served in the pilot period, where at least 90% identify as LGBTQ+ and at least 33% are considered low-income.
