H79SM085641

Centers for Youth and Families' Community Mental Health Center Grant Program - Funding Support from SAMHSA though the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) Grant Program will allow Centers for Youth and Families (CFYF) to support and restore the delivery of clinical services that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively address the needs of 1,000 individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and/or Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) in Pulaski County, Arkansas. (Y1: 500; Y2: 500).

Pulaski County is inundated with racially segregated and underserved communities. The catchment area is approximately 53% White, 37% Black, 6% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and less than 1% Native American. Individuals in Pulaski County with pre-existing mental health and substance abuse disorders faced unique challenges in accessing mental health services (including medications), substance abuse services, and related social services. They also experienced enhanced reactions to the lack of social support and isolation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFYF will expand access to treatment and recovery services to address the wave of mental health issues resulting from the barriers to access and physical, emotional, and socioeconomic stressors related to COVID-19. The target population is comprised of individuals with SED, SMI, and individuals with SMI or SED and substance use disorders (COD) living in South Pulaski County. Special attention will be given to minority populations and individuals living in economically disadvantaged communities.

CFYF will utilize evidence-based practices (EBPs) to address the unmet needs of 1,000 unduplicated individuals in the target population (Y1: 500; Y2: 500). CFYF will increase treatment quality and capacity by obtaining the following goals and objectives:

Goal 1: Raise standard of care by providing outpatient services for individuals with SMI, SED, and/or COD in Pulaski County.
Objective 1.1: Provide trauma-informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, and person-centered treatment planning and treatment delivery to 1,000 individuals.

Goal 2: Increase the provision and scope of services offered by CFYF by 20% to the target population.
Objective 2.1: Hire additional staff, including a recreational therapist, registered nurse, and qualified behavioral health professional.
Objective 2.2: Provide additional and ongoing EBP training for all staff involved in the care of the target population, including substance use disorder (SUD) and cultural competence.

Goal 3: Increase availability and capacity of timely access to behavioral healthcare to individuals with SMI, SED, and/or COD in Pulaski County.
Objective 3.1: Deploy telehealth services to at least 150 individuals.
Objective 3.2: Ensure that at least 80% of grant-funded clients linked with community support services will receive 2 or more contacts from case managers/peer support staff in community settings within 3 months of engagement.

Goal 4: Decrease CMHC staff burnout caused by pandemic-related stressors.
Objective 4.1: Provide CMHC staff with therapeutic stress relief trainings, employee appreciation events, and breakroom relaxation stations.
Objective 4.2: Ensure that 80% of CMHC staff will remain employed at the end of the project period.

Centers For Youth And Families

NOT APPLICABLE

93.958 - Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services

Division of Grants Management [HHS - SAMHSA]

Little Rock, Arkansas 722111821 United States

Single Zip Code

Community Mental Health Centers Grant Program (SM-21-014)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have decreased 3% from $5,000,000 to $4,830,260.