FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion - 1. Introduction and Background: The Rockbridge Area Health Center (RAHC - Grant Number H80CS26636), organization was founded as the Rockbridge Area Free Clinic in 1992 and received its initial HRSA-BPHC FQHC award in November 2013. With a 30-year history in the community, RAHC has established many relationships and community connections with other health and human service providers. With a reputation for continuity and growth, RAHC has become a vital provider of comprehensive primary care services, including dental and behavioral health services. Despite its commendable track record, there remains a pressing need to expand access to behavioral health services within the region. RAHC is a certified Patient-Centered Medical Home operating from six fixed sites (two of these sites are school-based health centers) and two mobile sites. The RAHC service area is located within the rural Appalachia region of Virginia, an area known to have disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems. Community Health Needs Assessments have consistently identified mental health access and substance use disorders as areas of high priority. RAHC has addressed these priorities by providing direct patient care and counseling with credentialed health care providers. In 2023 RAHC provided health center services to 8,986 individuals. Of those served, 1,082 received mental health services. Currently a waiting list exists for mental health services. 2. Objectives and Methods: The “Behavioral Health Access for All” program will increase the number of patients receiving mental health services, substance use disorder (SUD) and medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). RAHC will add staff to meet these objectives: 1) Additional licensed mental health counselors to address the waiting list for services and expand access in general; 2) A Community Health Worker to support patients’ SDOH needs; 3) A Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to serve as a behavioral health consultant integrated in the medical department to support warm hand-offs, mitigate stigma that may be associated with mental health care, and facilitate access to providers. With BHSE funding RAHC will expand behavioral health services in the public schools, domestic violence shelter and regional jail to increase access and promote continuity of care through counseling, SUD and MOUD services as needed. Funds will support mental health training for RAHC staff and community partners to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to support mental health awareness, prevention, and intervention. 3. Target Populations: RAHC behavioral health services are available to all. With BHSE funds RAHC will place special emphasis on three high need populations: school-aged children, regional jail population, and families dealing with domestic violence. Schools have an identified need support for PTSD, resiliency, and truancy. The regional jail population have unmet needs and often lose continuity of care when incarcerated, putting them at high risk for relapse and recidivism. The families living with the impact of domestic violence currently have limited access to behavioral health services. 4. Expected Outcomes and Impact: Anticipated outcomes of our mental health program include reduced wait times for individuals seeking mental health services, fostering a decrease in the stigma surrounding mental health care, and a significant increase in mental health service utilization, with a targeted rise of 40%. We also aim for a substantial 50% increase in the utilization of substance use disorder (SUD) services and a 25% increase in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services. These outcomes signify our commitment to enhancing access, reducing barriers, and improving the overall well-being of our community members through comprehensive mental health support and services.
