FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion - CAMcare Health Corporation aims to enhance its Behavioral Health (BH) program by increasing the number of patients receiving mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services, including medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The initiative includes expanding mental health services, introducing preventative SUD services, and renovating the Gateway, Clementon, and East health centers. The primary objectives of CAMcare’s Behavioral Health Expansion project are to enhance the knowledge and skill level of BH providers, increase the number of BH providers, expand BH space and services, and integrate BH and MAT services. To achieve the first objective, CAMcare will provide specialized training in trauma, SUDs, and brief interventions to current BH providers. This training will ensure that providers are well-equipped to address complex mental health and SUD issues, ultimately improving the quality of care for patients. To increase the number of BH providers, CAMcare plans to recruit additional staff, including Spanish-speaking providers and those specializing in youth psychiatric challenges (e.g., a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse, a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, BH Providers, and a Case Manager). This recruitment effort will focus on meeting the linguistic and cultural needs of diverse patient populations. By hiring a diverse team of providers, CAMcare aims to address the specific needs of high-risk populations with BH and SUD issues. Expanding BH space and services is another critical objective of the project. CAMcare plans to renovate the third floor of the facility to accommodate more BH providers and group therapy sessions. This expansion will enable CAMcare to serve a greater number of patients and offer a broader range of services. Necessary equipment and materials, such as laptops, desks, and chairs, will be purchased to support the expanded services. The integration of BH and MAT services is a key component of the project. CAMcare will develop protocols and train medical and BH providers on integrating MAT with existing BH services, enhancing coordination between MAT and BH teams to provide a seamless and effective treatment experience for patients. This integration aims to improve treatment outcomes and ensure coordinated care for patients receiving MAT. Addressing barriers to care is essential for the success of the project. CAMcare will implement culturally responsive, patient-centered approaches to care, providing support services to address social determinants of health such as housing stability, food security, and transportation. Local transportation partners will be utilized to assist patients in accessing services, ensuring that patients can receive the care they need. The expected outcomes of the project include increased access to mental health services, enhanced SUD services, improved patient outcomes, and continuous improvement and sustainability of the program. The recruitment of additional BH staff and the expansion of service space will enable CAMcare to serve more patients, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, or face cultural and linguistic barriers. The integration of MAT with BH services and the training of providers in trauma and substance use interventions will improve the quality and effectiveness of SUD treatment, increasing the number of patients receiving SUD treatment, including MOUD. Coordinated care and integrated services will lead to better treatment adherence and outcomes for patients with mental health and SUD issues, while addressing underlying social determinants of health will further support patient well-being and stability. Ongoing training and support for BH providers will ensure the sustainability of the program and continuous improvement of care quality. Partnerships with other organizations will enhance the continuum of care and provide additional resources and support for patients.