Friday, April 26, 2024
4/26/2024
The U.S. territory of Guam is requesting funding from CMHC to support Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) efforts to establish a cohesive system between GBHWC and correctional facilities; Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Youth Affairs (DYA) to ensure individuals who are experiencing SED, SMI and COD are provided initial assessments, appropriate referrals, engagement in treatment while incarcerated and continuum of care as the individual transitions back into the community within a two-year period. Within the grant period, the number of unduplicated individuals to be served are minimum of 300 each year. GBHWC will provide on-site services to DOC and DYA to include telepsychiatry to maximize immediate access to mental health services instead of waiting on the correctional facilities to transport individuals to GBHWC facility. GBHWC, as a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited facility will utilize standards as well as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards to guide practice and treatment in serving the DOC and DYA consumers. GBHWC is an active partner with the judicial system and involved in the implementation of the second chance reentry program. GBHWC’s involvement in onset of treatment will strengthen the identification and referral of consumers to the reentry program. According to the 2020 GBHWC individual data report, GBHWC served more than 3,000 individuals with 15.5% ages 17 and below, while 84.6% were adults ages 18 and older living with an SED, SMI, or COD. With GBHWC as Guam’s only community provider for mental health services, we expect the number of individuals to increase, most especially once the new school year begins in August of 2021, when students return to in class learning. According to the 2019 Department of Corrections monthly statistical report, showed 700 referrals to their Forensic Unit with 68 of those referrals needing immediate psychiatric services at GBHWC. While the remaining population are still awaiting assessments due to shortage of mental health providers within the correctional facility. According to the 2019 Citizen Centric Report, Department of Youth Affairs had 328 admissions with recidivism rate of 67.07%. 60 of those individuals were referred to GBHWC for assessment and psychiatric services. Target populations will be reached by increase delivery of clinical services to individuals with SED, SMI and COD who are at DOC and DYA and in need of services; through timely access to mental health screenings, telepsychiatry, availability and access to medications, and coordination of outreach efforts with partnered agencies in the community to assist target populations with supports and services for reintegration back into the community.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
