FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion - Project Abstract for Behavioral Health Service Expansion at G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center Applicant: G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc., Canton, MS Health Center Program Grant #: H80C00484 Project Title: Enhancing Community Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Request Amount: $600,000 (Year 1), $500,000 (Year 2) Performance Period: September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026 Project Overview: G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center (GACFHC) proposes to substantially expand behavioral health services across Madison, Yazoo, Leake, Leflore, and Humphreys counties by offering SUD treatment and MAT at all our sites, including school-based sites, to address the needs of our youth. This initiative focuses on integrating services within school-based health centers and other community locations to enhance access to mental health and SUD treatments, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. This expansion is critical given the recent UDS report showing that our service area has a 30% higher rate of uninsured individuals compared to state averages, with approximately 9,787 of our 11,066 patients living below 100% of the federal poverty level. Program Goals: 1. Increase Patient Reach: Aim to increase the number of patients receiving behavioral health services by 20%, equating to an additional 100-200 patients by the end of year two. 2. Comprehensive MAT Implementation: Establish MAT programs for at least 100 patients suffering from opioid use disorder by the end of the second year. 3. Enhanced Community Engagement: Increase community awareness of available mental health and SUD resources through targeted outreach and education initiatives. Expected Outcomes: • Service Utilization: Expansion of behavioral health services to include a 20% increase in service utilization rates, as reported in annual UDS filings. • Health Outcomes: Improved health outcomes for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, targeted to reduce emergency department visits for behavioral crises by 15%. • Community Awareness: Strengthen community understanding and reduce stigma associated with behavioral health issues, supported by community outreach and education. Collaboration and Support: The project will build on established partnerships with River Ridge Behavior Health, the Community Health Centers of Mississippi, the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health, and local organizations like The Canton-Madison (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mississippi, and 100 Black Men of Canton, Mississippi. These collaborations will help develop integrated service pathways and ensure comprehensive referral systems, supporting our youth, men, and women in the communities we serve. Sustainability: Beyond the grant period, GACFHC plans to maintain the expanded services through ongoing state funding, enhanced Medicaid reimbursements due to increased service provision, and sliding scale fees, ensuring long-term support and accessibility for our community.
