Funding support from SAMHSA though the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) Grant Program will allow Centers for Youth and Families (CFYF) to support and restore the delivery of clinical services that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively address the needs of 1,000 individuals with SED, SMI and/or COD in Pulaski County, Arkansas. (Y1: 500; Y2:500). Pulaski County is inundated with racially segregated and underserved communities. The catchment area is approximately 53% white, 37% Black, 6% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and <1% Native American.
Individuals in Pulaski County with pre-existing mental health and substance abuse disorders faced unique challenges in accessing mental health services (including medications), substance abuse services and related social services as well as experienced enhanced reactions to the lack of social support and isolation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. CFYF will expand access to treatment and recovery services to address the wave of mental health issues resulting from the barriers to access and physical, emotional and socioeconomic stressors related to COVID-19. The target population is comprised of the individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and individuals with SMI or SED and substance use disorders (COD) living in South Pulaski County. Special attention will be for minority populations and individuals living in economically disadvantaged communities.
CFYF will evidence-based practices (EBPs) to address unmet needs of 1,000 unduplicated individuals in the target population (Y1: 500; Y2: 500). CFYF will increase treatment quality and capacity by obtaining the following goals and objectives: Goal 1: Raise standard of care by providing outpatient services for individuals with SMI, SED and/or COD in Pulaski County. Objective 1.1: Provide trauma-informed screening, assessment, diagnosis and person-centered treatment planning and treatment delivery to 1,000 individuals. Goal 2: Increase the provision and scope of services offered by CFYF by 20% to the target population. Objective 2.1: Hire additional staff, including a recreational therapist, registered nurse and qualified behavioral health professional. Objective 2.2: Provide additional and on-going EBP training for all staff involved in the care of the target population, including SUD and cultural competence. Goal 3: Increase availability and capacity of timely access to behavioral healthcare to individuals with SMI, SED and/or COD in Pulaski County. Objective 3.1: Deploy telehealth services to at least 150 individuals. Objective 3.2: At least 80% of grant-funded clients linked with community support services will receive 2 or more contacts from case managers/peer support staff in community settings within 3 months of engagement. Goal 4: Decrease CMHC staff burnout caused by pandemic related stressors. Objective 4.1: Provide CMHC staff with therapeutic stress relief trainings, employee appreciation events and breakroom relaxation stations. Objective 4.2: 80% of CMHC staff will remain employed at the end of the project period.