Care Plus NJ's "Expansion Continuation" program will build upon the current CCBHC Expansion program to increase access to and improve the quality of community behavioral health services in Bergen and surrounding counties in NJ. It will continue to offer comprehensive and coordinated care to individuals with SMI, SUD's, COD's, and SED, but with expanded family systems, community outreach, and perinatal behavioral healthcare capacities.
It is estimated that 56.9% of individuals with mental illness and 89.2% of individuals with SUD's do not receive treatment (NIMH, 2018; SAMHSA, 2015). Untreated SMI, COD's, SED, and SUD's (especially for pregnant and postpartum women) can increase the risk of premature death, chronic medical conditions, homelessness, incarceration, suicide, and more. In 2018, Bergen County had significantly higher rates of inpatient hospitalization for behavioral health diagnoses compared to NJ overall and the highest growth of children's crisis intervention responses since 2011 in the State. NJ's maternal mortality rate is almost double the national average and a higher number of mothers in NJ have postpartum depression compared to the national average. Specifically, 60% of serious perinatal mood disorders goes undetected, and 40% of those detected go untreated.
Each project year, 500 unduplicated individuals in the population of focus will be served, for a total of 1,000 unduplicated individuals served over the project period. Goal 1: Improve access and the quality of behavioral health services through the expansion of the CCBHC program. Objective 1.1: By the end of the project period, 70% of participants will report maintenance or a decrease in behavioral health symptom severity as demonstrated through evidence-based assessment measures. Objective 1.2: By the end of the project period, 100% of enrolled expecting and parenting families will be screened for perinatal mood disorders, SUD's, and COD's, and referred to services as needed. Objective 1.3: By the end of the project period, 400 hours of care coordination will be provided for enrolled individuals to improve physical and behavioral health. Goal 2: Implement plans for sustainability to ensure delivery of services once federal funding ends. Objective 2.1: By the end of the project period, 500 physicians, health workers, and other community stakeholders will be trained in screening, intervention, and available resources for the population of focus, including for expectant and parenting families. Objective 2.2: 100% of individuals and families will be referred to appropriate services upon conclusion of the project. Objective 2.3: By the end of the project period, 100 organizations will collaborate, coordinate, and share resources to integrate service systems as a result of this grant.
Fully integrated mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and physical healthcare will be provided to support individuals and families with the highest needs throughout their lifespan. Care Plus NJ has the infrastructure, intersystem relationships, and clinical expertise to successfully continue our CCBHC Expansion services into the next grant period.