H79SM088974

Counseling Associates CCBHC Improvement and Advancement Project in North Central Arkansas - Counseling Associates, Inc. (CA) will improve and advance its current slate of CCBHC services to 405 new clients in the target population - children (0+) with SED and persons of all ages who are at risk of: 1) SMI 2) SUD, 3) COD and 4) individuals with mental health issues also at risk for chronic health conditions in 4 counties in Central Arkansas - Conway, Faulkner, Pope, and Perry.

Specific attention will be given to individuals who identify as veteran or minority (race, ethnicity, gender, and economic). All 4 counties are HRSA-designated (2023) medically underserved and health professional shortage areas in the primary and behavioral health domain.

Most of the diverse geographic area is predominantly rural with urbanization concentrated in Faulkner County, particularly in Conway (city), the 7th largest city in AR (pop 67,882). The 4-county area ranks low among many health behaviors, clinical care, social & economic factors, and physical environment (County Rankings, 2022).

The population of the catchment area is 80% non-Hispanic white, 6% Hispanic, 9% non-Hispanic Black / African American, 1% Asian, 1% Native American, and 4% multiracial, 7.5% are veterans, and about 3.3% of Arkansans identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, Faulkner County has approximately 1,200 Marshallese residents.

Across the 4 counties, about 16% of people are in poverty, 17% are experiencing severe housing problems, 20% of children are in poverty, and 57% are eligible for free/reduced lunch. Further, 17% drink alcohol excessively, 15% are food insecure, 19% are in poor to fair health, 12% experience frequent physical duress, 17% experience frequent mental duress, and 6% are uninsured.

To meet the continued needs of the clients of the CCBHC, we have identified 4 main goals.

Goal 1: Improve and enhance the current slate of services for the target population in the area through targeted behavioral health equity activities including the retention of PCC staff (Y1-4) and the mobile physical health unit (Y1-4). Increase the provision and scope of services offered by CA to the target population through a mobile crisis team, management-based care (MBC), and other EBPs (Y1-4). Provide additional and ongoing EBP training, including trauma-informed care, recovery care, targeted case management, SUD treatment to all clinical staff involved in the care of the target population (Y1-4). Provide workforce development that specifically addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, cultural competency, and implicit bias reduction training (Y1-4). Ensure EBPs are meeting fidelity standards (Y1-4).

Goal 2: Expand PCP services to the Russellville campus, to children ages 5+ (Y2-4), to include general wellness exams (Y2-4) and assessing for, and treatment of, chronic health conditions (Y2-4).

Goal 3: Increase accessibility for historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities through mobile physical health services (Y1-4) in targeted areas, specifically Conway and Perry counties, to create a continuum of care.

Goal 4: Identify and improve underlying social determinants of health (SDOH) for the target population through the implementation of assessment of SDOH (Y1-4) and MBC (Y2-4). We will raise awareness about the social challenges that our clients are facing and action that can be taken to create more supportive environments for health across our area and the state.

Finally, to sustain our CCBHC, we are implementing more EBPs and assessing for fidelity to reduce the use of costly resources, hospitalizations, and jail time for clients using the most behavioral health services.

Counseling Associates

NOT APPLICABLE

93.696 - Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grants

Division of Grants Management [HHS - SAMHSA]

Conway, Arkansas 720346166 United States

Single Zip Code

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Improvement and Advancement Grant (SM-23-016)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 300% from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000.