Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc. will improve access to behavioral and physical health services by transforming Valeo from a community mental health center (CMHC) to a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC). Valeo's primary population of focus are adults (18+) in Shawnee County, Kansas with mental health conditions, substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders who lack health insurance coverage, are underinsured, or cannot afford subsidized health insurance, with an emphasis on individuals who are 65 and older, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those who have serious mental illness. Topeka, the Kansas capital, lies within the boundaries of Shawnee County which encompasses the CCBHC service area. Shawnee County is home to an estimated 176,875 residents. There are no CCBHCs in the service area, though there is another CMHC that provides behavioral health services for children up to 18 years old. For individuals without insurance, Valeo is one of four providers in the area for adults (18+). Valeo is the only adult provider who will provide services regardless of an individual's ability to pay. Approximately 17.4% of the county's population is without insurance due, in part, to Kansas not expanding Medicaid. Through a survey conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department, respondents identified mental health issues, alcohol/illegal drug abuse, prescription drug abuse/dependence, and obesity as significant community issues. Valeo will serve an additional 2,000 individuals over the course of the four-year grant period (500 in year one, 500 in year two, 500 in year three, and 500 in year four). The project's first goal is to increase the integration of healthcare services to improve the overall health of the population of focus. Objectives include collecting primary provider care information on 75% of consumers by the end of year one and 100% by the end of year two. In year one, 50% of consumers will receive primary care screenings, 75% in year two, 85% in year three, and 95% in year four. In year one, 50% of consumers will receive care coordination, 65% in year two, 75% in year three, and 95% in year four. An Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team will be implemented and serve 25 consumers in year one, 50 in year two, 75 in year three, and 100 in year four. By year three, 50% of consumers with a body mass index (BMI) outside normal parameters will receive referrals to appropriate supports, and 75% will receive referrals by year four. The second goal is to increase timely access to services and evidence-based practices to reduce the need for more restrictive levels of care for the population of focus. Time from referral to service provision will be decreased to 10 days in year one and decreased to seven days in year two. Sixty percent of consumers will receive an evidence-based practiced in year one, 70% in year two, 80% in year three, and 90% in year four. Valeo will provide services to an additional 20 individuals 65 years and older in year one, 40 in year two, 60 in year three, and 80 in year four. Access to services will increase, with the number of billable events increasing by 10% in year two, 20% in year three, and 25% in year four. Valeo will accomplish these objectives by utilizing shorter-term, more effective evidence-based practices, fully implementing Same Day Access Intake, implementing Just-In-Time Psychiatric Prescribing, utilizing a new electronic health record with a CCBHC module, implementing a fully integrated treatment plan, utilizing a level of care instrument, enhancing agency trainings, expanding the use of safety plans, and improving engagement of individuals 65 years and older.
