H79SM083335

SSTAR CCBHC Initiative - The SSTAR CCBHC Expansion Project 2020 will address the most urgent health needs of the Fall River, Massachusetts community. These needs include a lack of access to mental health services, especially psychiatry, opioid and polysubstance overdose, and smoking.

The city of Fall River has recently begun to recover from a sustained period of economic depression, which started with the exodus of textile/manufacturing jobs to the south and overseas. In terms of percentage, Fall River has the largest Portuguese American population in the United States. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has designated Fall River as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for mental health, with a score of 16.

The population of focus for this project will be opioid addicted adults with co-occurring mental illness. SSTAR currently meets the criteria for CCBHC, except for access standards for adult and child psychiatric services. SSTAR has been providing behavioral health services since 1977 and has long been a leader in integrated primary and behavioral health care. They provide primary care through their FQHC located in the same building as their outpatient behavioral health clinic and opioid triage center.

By establishing a new Medical Monitoring and Observation Service (MMOS) embedded in their CCBHC/opioid triage center/MAT bridge clinic, this CCBHC expansion would reduce overdose deaths, increase post-overdose engagement in MAT and other behavioral health treatment, and reduce hospital emergency department utilization for overdose-related visits.

To increase access to psychiatric services, the project aims to recruit additional psychiatric providers and maximize new and existing psychiatric resources by developing and implementing new digital technology. This technology will help reduce wasted appointments due to no-shows and cancellations. The goal is to reduce the wait for psychiatric evaluations for new patients from six months to three days by the end of year II and increase the number of unique psychiatric patients seen by 225 in year I.

To reduce the risk of overdose by polysubstance use, the project will develop new prescribing protocols for benzodiazepines and stimulants for SSTAR primary care and psychiatric prescribers. To assist with the changed prescribing practices, SSTAR CCBHC 2020 will develop and implement a new outpatient group curriculum. This curriculum will help patients taper or withdraw from medications that are contraindicated by best medical practice. It will be based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and will incorporate peer recovery coaches, acupuncture treatment, and family engagement.

At least 40 CCBHC clients will participate in smoking cessation individual and/or group sessions. The project will enhance SSTAR's capability to provide care through telehealth, both to expand treatment resources and to better prepare them to continue caring for their patients during a public emergency such as a pandemic.

The expanded use of a digital health and wellness solution, the MyStrength mobile phone app, will contribute to the overall improved health status of the population. The app includes modules for smoking cessation, recovery support, and mindfulness.

Stanley Street Treatment & Resources

NOT APPLICABLE

93.829 - Section 223 Demonstration Programs to Improve Community Mental Health Services

Division of Grants Management [HHS - SAMHSA]

Massachusetts United States

State-Wide

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grants (SM-20-012)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 02/14/23 to 07/14/23 and the total obligations have decreased 25% from $3,970,350 to $2,970,433.