Thursday, December 12, 2024
12/12/2024
Franklin Primary Health Center Inc. (FPHC) aims to increase access to comprehensive behavioral health services, addressing the critical need for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatments in Mobile, AL, and the surrounding counties. The primary objectives of this project are to: 1) Increase the number of patients receiving mental health services. 2) Increase the number of patients receiving SUD services, including treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). FPHC serves a diverse and economically disadvantaged population across Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Choctaw, and Monroe counties. According to the Mobile County Health Department, the region has seen a 15% increase in mental health-related ER visits over the past three years. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Public Health reports that Mobile County has an opioid overdose death rate of 14.6 per 100,000 population, higher than the state average. Baldwin County has seen a 12% increase in SUD-related hospital admissions over the past two years. Choctaw and Conecuh counties report limited access to mental health services, with only 30% of residents in need receiving adequate care. These areas have high rates of mental health conditions and SUDs, compounded by barriers such as limited healthcare resources, stigma, and social determinants like poverty and transportation challenges. To achieve our objectives, FPHC will implement the following key activities: 1) Expand Mental Health Services: Recruit and train additional mental health professionals, enhance telehealth capabilities, and integrate behavioral health screenings into primary care visits. CDC data indicates only 43% of adults with mental illness receive treatment. We will also implement evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care. Additionally, we have recently hired a psychiatrist for the first time to further bolster our services. 2) Enhance SUD Services: Expand our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, increase access to MOUD, and provide comprehensive care coordination and recovery support services. SAMHSA data shows over 70,000 Americans die from drug overdoses annually, emphasizing the urgency of expanding SUD treatment. FPHC will collaborate with local substance abuse treatment facilities to ensure a continuum of care. 3) Address Barriers to Care: Develop targeted outreach programs to reduce stigma, provide culturally competent care, and address social determinants of health through partnerships with local organizations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mobile County has a poverty rate of 18.7%, affecting access to healthcare and increasing the need for integrated behavioral health services. We will leverage our mobile health units to reach remote and underserved areas. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of patients receiving mental health and SUD services. Specifically, we aim to increase mental health patients by 25% and SUD patients by 30% over the two-year project period. Additionally, we anticipate improved patient outcomes, such as reduced ER visits and hospitalizations related to behavioral health crises. We will utilize the Uniform Data System (UDS) to track our progress and measure our success. This project aligns with HRSA’s goal of integrating behavioral health into primary care and supports the national effort to combat the mental health and opioid crises. By leveraging this funding, FPHC aims to create a sustainable model of integrated care that addresses our patients' comprehensive needs, ultimately improving their health and well-being. Our vision is to ensure that every individual in Mobile, AL, and surrounding areas has access to the behavioral health services they need, regardless of economic or social circumstances. With HRSA’s BHSE funding, FPHC is committed to making this vision a reality for our communities.
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).
