This project will allow LFCV to pilot a mobile van program into the rural and often overlooked areas of Stanislaus and Merced Counties in CA's Central Valley, expanding mental healthcare access. - The Mobile Mental Health Access Point for Rural Californians Project aims to pilot a mobile van program by La Familia Central Valley (LFCV) to enhance mental healthcare access in the underserved rural areas of Stanislaus and Merced Counties in California. The initiative will reach at least 250 individuals, providing mental health and substance use screenings, counseling, telehealth services, and social service connections. The project will also launch a comprehensive public outreach campaign to raise awareness and encourage participation. Modifications to the van will provide a comfortable environment for services and ensure HIPAA compliance. The pilot program, staffed with a bilingual team, including a Promotora and a Staff Therapist, will deliver services directly to community hubs such as schools, migrant camps, parks, and churches. The focus will be on anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use, transitioning from screenings to direct counseling over the project year. Special attention will be given to Latinos, farmworkers, rural women, and seniors—demographics traditionally facing barriers to mental healthcare. The program will address these barriers by bringing services to the community and offering telehealth options for those unable to attend in-person sessions. Goal 1: Increase Access to Health Services: 1.1: Establish the necessary staffing within the first three months. 1.2: Screen at least 250 unique individuals for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. 1.3: Provide 50 individuals with assistance in applying for social services. 1.4: Ensure 30% of clients diagnosed with mental health issues receive treatment through various means. Goal 2: Develop and Implement a Public Health Marketing and Outreach Campaign: 2.1: Form at least five partnerships with local organizations. 2.2: Create and implement an outreach campaign utilizing multiple media outlets. 2.3: Participate in five community events to promote the van and services. 2.4: Conduct at least two local presentations to raise mental health awareness. 2.5: Develop and disseminate culturally and linguistically tailored educational materials. Goal 3: Evaluate the Feasibility and Effectiveness of the Mobile Mental Health Van Program: 3.1: Generate a report on the interest and need for the mobile unit by monitoring turnout and feedback. 3.2: Share the report with city and county organizations to inform future expansions. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and providing culturally competent care, LFCV aims to diminish mental health stigma and improve outcomes for the target populations. The initiative will also provide social service assistance to alleviate socio-economic stressors contributing to mental health issues. The pilot will inform future program expansions and sustainable service delivery models, supported by Medicare and Medicaid billing.
