OCTOBER 02, 2014
CHR (Community Health Resources) has recently been awarded a $1.6M federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Integration (PBHCI) services which will significantly improve the lives of those we serve. CHR and its’ primary health partner, First Choice Health Centers, will be working together to coordinate and integrate care to support those with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and co-occurring physical health issues served within CHR’s outpatient clinics in Manchester and Enfield. This initiative will lead to better coordination of care, integration, early identification and prevention, chronic disease management, improved access to care and measurably improved health outcomes. First Choice Health Centers will be providing primary care services within CHR’s Manchester and Enfield outpatient offices through the PBHCI program. The project will help improve the overall health of clients, enhance access to services and reduce reliance on more expensive interventions.
“We are thrilled to receive funding from SAMHSA and to be working with First Choice Health Centers to provide this vital service,” said Heather Gates, President and CEO of CHR. “We all recognize that the best healthcare addresses a person’s total needs, focuses on overall wellness and coordinates care between providers. The PBHCI grant provides a platform for integration of primary and behavioral healthcare that will make significant health improvements in the lives of those we serve.”
Clients served will be 18 years or older, with a SMI diagnosis, diagnosed with a chronic physical illness, report a history of chronic medical problems, or have serious health risks and either do not have a regular primary care physician or have had no contact with their primary care physician in more than a year. Special emphasis will be placed on individuals who are homeless, with efforts tailored to be responsive to racial, ethnic, language, or gender needs. Building on evidence based practices and electronic health record interactivity, the program includes screening for all health issues for all clients, comprehensive care management and coordination with the state Medicaid program.
We are grateful to all of our partners who supported this effort. For more information about the SAMHSA PBHCI please visit SAMHSA-HRSA’s Center for Integrated Health Solutions at Click Here.