Goal 2: Workforce Develop a responsive SUD workforce, which includes both peers and clinical providers with diverse scopes of practice.

Goal 3: Supportive Services Establish and/or enhance coordination with supportive social services to ensure that rural individuals and families impacted by SUD have the greatest opportunity possible for sustained, long-term recovery.

Goal 4: Sustainability Develop innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to ensure the continued availability of RCORP-Impact supported services in the target rural service area.

Approximately 16 grant awards

Up to $750,000 per year

The program and estimated awards depend on the future appropriation of funds and are subject to change based on the availability and amount of appropriations.

Cost sharing/match not required

Period of performance:

September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2028 (4 years)

• Q: Can a staff member at the sheriff's office, specifically a navigator, count towards the required staff for the program?

• A: Yes, existing navigators can fulfill required staff roles. It does not need to be a separate navigator dedicated solely to the program, but the grantee must ensure appropriate FTE allocation without supplanting funds.

2. Rapid Stakeholder Insights (10 minutes)

3. Identifying Shared Goals (10 minutes)

4. Brainstorming and Next Steps (10 minutes)

5. Wrap-Up and Commitments (5 minutes)

These considerations reflect a cautious optimism about the potential benefits of the project and the grant, focusing on community support, existing resources, and the strategic value of planning for future opportunities.

• Data and Demand Concerns: There were questions about whether there is sufficient data to demonstrate a clear need for the services proposed. Specifically, there were concerns about the ability to provide evidence showing enough people would need the service to justify the cost.  We would need that data compiled quickly to pursue the RCORP-Impact grant.

• Resource and Time Constraints: While supporting the approached outlined in the discussion, doubts were expressed about the BHC’s  capacity to compile the necessary application materials and data within the given timeline, indicating it would be a significant undertaking requiring time and resources they might not have readily available.  (True for Lori, Jefferson Healthcare, possibly others?)

• Infrastructure and Staffing: While it was noted that the project wouldn't require infrastructural changes, there was a mention of possibly needing to hire more staff, which could be a resource constraint.

• Future Planning and Readiness: There was a suggestion that even if the grant was not pursued at this time, continuing to meet and plan would be beneficial. This suggests a preference for ensuring thorough preparation and alignment before committing to a grant application.

• Broad Strokes and Need for Detail: The discussions so far have been broad, and there's an acknowledgment that more detailed planning and understanding are needed. This might indicate a need for more groundwork before pursuing funding.

• Operational Complexities: There may be potential operational complexities, particularly concerning service provision and partnership roles, which might complicate grant application or project implementation.

These considerations highlight a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, clear demonstration of demand and capacity, and strategic planning before pursuing significant grant funding.

1. Needs Assessment and Data Collection

• Conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment to identify the specific behavioral health challenges, including substance use disorders and mental health issues.

• Gather data on current service gaps, demand for services, and the potential population that could benefit from programs like PHP and AOT.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage a wide range of stakeholders, including mental health professionals, law enforcement, judicial representatives, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience, to gather insights and build support.

• Host workshops or forums to discuss needs, potential interventions, and collaborative opportunities.

3. Review Best Practices and Models

• Research and review evidence-based models and best practices in community-based mental health services, including PHP and AOT, to identify adaptable approaches.

• Consider site visits or consultations with established programs to gain practical insights.

4. Resource and Capacity Evaluation

• Assess the BHC's current resources and capacities, including staffing, infrastructure, and partnerships, to determine what is needed to implement proposed programs.

• Identify potential barriers and strategies to address them, such as training needs or infrastructure improvements.

5. Program Design and Planning

• Develop detailed program plans for proposed services, outlining service delivery models, patient pathways, and integration with existing services.

• Consider the legal, ethical, and operational implications of PHP or even AOT, ensuring alignment with local regulations and community values.

6. Financial Planning and Sustainability

• Develop a financial model for proposed initiatives, identifying potential funding sources, estimating costs, and considering sustainability.

• Explore partnerships with local government, foundations, and private funders to diversify funding streams.

7. Pilot Projects and Evaluation

• Consider launching pilot projects to test the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed services, allowing for adjustments before full-scale implementation.

• Establish robust evaluation frameworks to assess outcomes, impact, and areas for improvement.

8. Community Education and Advocacy

• Implement community education campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues, the value of proposed services, and the importance of community support.

• Advocate for policy changes or funding at local, state, and federal levels to support behavioral health initiatives.

9. Grant Readiness

• Develop a grant readiness strategy, including a grant prospect database, templates for common application sections, and a timeline for grant opportunities.

• Build relationships with potential funders and stay informed about grant opportunities aligning with the BHC's strategic goals.

10. Strategic Review and Adaptation

• Regularly review the strategic plan in response to emerging needs, funding opportunities, and program outcomes, allowing for adaptability and growth.

By following these steps, the BHC can lay a strong foundation for future initiatives, ensuring readiness to pursue funding opportunities that align with community needs and strategic goals.

• Legal Framework: AOT involves a legal process where a court mandates outpatient treatment for individuals with severe mental illness who, due to their condition, are unlikely to voluntarily seek or maintain treatment.

• Involuntary Participation: Participation in AOT is typically not voluntary, as it's court-ordered for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as a history of repeated hospitalizations or arrests due to untreated mental illness.

• Community-Based Care: AOT is designed to ensure individuals receive necessary mental health services within their community, aiming to improve their quality of life and reduce the need for hospitalization.

• Monitoring and Enforcement: AOT programs include mechanisms for monitoring compliance with treatment plans, and there can be legal consequences for non-compliance, though the emphasis is on providing care and support rather than punishment.

While both PHP and AOT aim to provide effective mental health treatment outside of the hospital setting, PHP is more about intensive therapeutic care on a voluntary basis, and AOT involves court-ordered treatment to ensure individuals with severe mental illnesses receive necessary care in the community.

• Intensity and Structure: PHPs are intensive outpatient programs that provide a high level of care, typically including several hours of therapy per day, several days a week.

• Voluntary Participation: Individuals usually choose to participate in PHP voluntarily, although they might be strongly encouraged by healthcare providers or family members.

• Setting: While PHPs offer intensive care, participants return home at the end of the day, allowing them to maintain some normalcy in their daily lives.

• Services Offered: PHPs often include a wide range of therapeutic services, such as individual and group therapy, medication management, and sometimes educational and vocational training.