Tuesday, April 29, 2025
4/29/2025
FY 2024 Behavioral Health Service Expansion - Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (CBWF), a community based non-profit organization and federally qualified health center in Corpus Christi, Texas, has identified a need for mental health and long-term recovery support from substance use disorders. The target area is disproportionally affected by substance abuse and mental health problems aggravated by a shortage of mental health professionals in the area and lack of recovery support services. To address this, CBWF received a SAMHSA grant to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic with the main goal of enhancing and expanding services by increasing access to, and improving the quality of, mental health, substance use treatment, and physical health services. CBWF was successful in receiving the certification but funding from SAMHSA did not continue. The project is now in the process of being downsized with key components such as case management services being ended, since these are not sustainable without external funding. Therefore, CBWF is proposing the continuation and expansion of Project Integrated Systems of Care (ISC), which will allow CBWF to maintain its current mental health and substance misuse programs and expand services to increase the number of people accessing care. The Project will provide person- and family-centered integrated and co-located mental, behavioral, and physical health services to residents of Nueces, Jim Wells, San Patricio, Aransas, and Kleberg Counties. Project ISC will provide access to services for individuals with mental illness (SMI) or substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorders; and individuals with co-occurring mental and substance disorders (COD). The proposed project seeks to expand our behavioral health services through the following initiatives: 1. Increased Access to Care: We aim to increase the availability of counseling and therapy sessions by hiring additional licensed therapists and counselors. This will reduce wait times for appointments and ensure that individuals can access timely support when needed. 2. Outreach and Education: We plan to enhance community outreach efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help. This will involve hosting workshops, seminars, and informational sessions in collaboration with local schools, community centers, and healthcare providers. 3. Telehealth Services: Recognizing the importance of flexibility and accessibility, we intend to establish telehealth services to reach individuals who may face barriers to in-person care, such as transportation challenges or rural residency. 4. Specialized Programs: We will develop specialized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of specific populations, including the LGBT+ community, seniors, and individuals from marginalized 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).