Monday, May 19, 2025
5/19/2025
FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion - Over the last two decades, adolescent and young adult drug overdose mortality rates have risen substantially, with disproportionate impacts on people of color. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdoses emerged as the third leading cause of pediatric deaths. This occurred despite an overall decrease in self-reported substance use among adolescents, highlighting the increased lethality of current street drugs, notably fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Adolescents with substance use disorders typically have less access to all forms of evidence-based treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder, compared to adults. Significant racial disparities also exist in accessing this care. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for expanded access to medications for opioid use disorder for adolescents, few pediatric providers feel equipped or trained to offer this care. By improving education and awareness among pediatric providers in comprehensive substance use disorder management, and expanding access to mental health support and counseling, we can improve outcomes in this population. Recognizing and addressing the overlap between mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders in a coordinated effort is essential. Our team aims to provide comprehensive support within a medical home environment, where patients already feel comfortable and connected. Our community health center has the framework to provide an integrated behavioral health intervention, but currently lacks sufficient staff to deliver equitable care for adolescents and young adults with substance use disorders. Through this HRSA grant, we propose the following goals: 1. Hire and support additional licensed clinical social workers at our primary care site and school-based health centers to assist adolescents and young adults with mental health diagnoses and provide services in the medical home setting. We aim to increase the number of patients who can access mental health care within our behavioral health integration framework. 2. Develop a curriculum and expand education for primary care pediatricians at our center and for the large cohort of pediatric trainees who train at our sites. This will ensure a broader network of providers can deliver full-scope, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment for adolescents and young adults, including medications for opioid use disorder. 3. Fund a substance use navigator in the clinic to support case management, care coordination, and address social determinants of health. This role will include increasing wraparound care and support for our local children’s emergency department and primary care clinics, serving as a referral location for adolescent substance use disorder treatment, and connecting care for recently incarcerated youth identified with substance use disorders.
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).