Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
Alaska's Excellence in Behavioral Health Integration Initiative - Project Abstract Alaska’s Excellence in Behavioral Health Integration Initiative The Alaska Department of Health (DOH) will utilize grant funding for a dedicated planning year to prepare for the statewide implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This initiative is designed to expand access to coordinated, comprehensive behavioral health care across Alaska, with an emphasis on reaching vulnerable populations. CCBHCs will provide services to individuals of all ages, regardless of their financial situation, location, or specific behavioral health needs. As part of this effort, Alaska will strengthen its behavioral health system, engage stakeholders in a meaningful way, and deliver necessary training and technical support to ensure high-quality care. The project will focus on individuals with or at risk for serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring disorders (COD), targeting specialized groups such as pregnant and parenting women and intravenous drug users. The initiative will also engage underserved communities, including rural populations, individuals facing poverty or health disparities, and diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups. Through this work, Alaska seeks to foster person-centered, culturally responsive, and evidence-based care statewide. Key Goals and Objectives: 1. CCBHC Certification: DOH will certify one urban and one rural CCBHC, developing a comprehensive certification system to support this process. 2. Prospective Payment System (PPS): DOH will establish a sustainable PPS for Medicaid-reimbursable behavioral health services, using historical cost data and national benchmarks to set rates. 3. Financial Sustainability: DOH will apply to participate in the 4-year CCBHC Demonstration Program to ensure long-term financial stability for CCBHCs. During the first year, the project will focus on planning and preparation for the demonstration period, without direct service provision to individuals. Therefore, no specific number of individuals served is anticipated in the initial year.
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).