Thursday, December 12, 2024
12/12/2024
Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc. (CFMC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving 32 rural counties in south-central and north-central Kentucky that includes Pulaski and Metcalfe Counties, both of which lie within the Appalachian region. As part of the CFMC service area, these two counties have access to high-quality community health center services provided in an affordable, accessible manner regardless of the patient’s income or ability to pay. As part of our mission as a FQHC, we seek to provide services in the most accessible manner possible – including much needed behavioral health care. For this reason, we are applying for the FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion Grant (BHSE). If funded CFMC, will expand our currently established and evidenced-based behavioral health care program into new clinic locations in Pulaski and Metcalfe Counties where providers can be well positioned to address barriers to care and ensure access to a continuum of behavioral health services that includes behavioral health services as well as services for those affected with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) who may benefit from treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). According to the Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA) both Pulaski and Metcalfe Counties are Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) for Mental Health with a combined shortage of approximately 11 mental health providers to meet the population need. To expand our behavioral health program through this funding opportunity, we will use funding to provide direct hire licensed medical and mental health providers along with case management staff to integrate behavioral health, SUD, and MOUD services into established primary care and women’s health clinic locations in Pulaski and Metcalfe Counties. By doing so, we will be building upon existing evidence-based models currently in use at other CFMC locations to ensure patients have the most accessible means of receiving behavioral health services through integration with primary care services. By creating a health care environment of integrated care, stigmas related to behavioral health can be decreased or eliminated entirely. Those receiving care for their chronic conditions (i.e., diabetes, heart disease) or women’s health issues will have the ability to also address any behavioral or addictive issues at the same location through on-site and immediate access to providers trained in culturally appropriate manners to best address concerns and traditions specific to the Appalachian culture. According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, the average adult in Appalachia Kentucky reports feeling mentally unhealthy 25% more often than the average American yet has significantly decreased means of accessing care for mental health. Localized studies of Appalachian women seeking behavioral health care from primary care providers yielded rates as high as 44% (researchgate.net). This proposal, if funded, will serve to reduce behavioral health disparities in the targeted counties by increasing the number of behavioral health providers in primary care and women’s health settings. In turn an increase in behavioral health patients, SUD patients, and patients receiving MOUD services in an accessible, affordable manner that is sensitive to the cultural and traditions of the patient population will also be evidenced.
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).
