Page 11 - Demo

11 | Page December 2 0 I ssueSecretary Laura Howard said. %u201cWith this continued investment, Kansas is leading the way in advancing health care systems that prioritize both the physical and behavioral health of its residents.%u201dThe project focuses on developing behavioral health resources and referral systems within primary care provider networks by leveraging the expertise of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which have a proven track record in delivering behavioral health services to the community. KDADS, in consultation with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas (ACMHCK), will collaborate with four CCBHCs to implement this initiative.Each participating CCBHC will partner directly with at least one primary care provider to ensure individuals have seamless access to both behavioral and physical health services. This integrated care model recognizes the critical connection between physical health and behavioral health needs and aims to address them in tandem and manage whole-person care for Kansans.Partners in this initiative include High Plains Mental Health, Four County, Southeast Kansas, and Pawnee. There are three primary goals through this grant:1. Develop and implement strong referral protocols to improve the identification of physical care needs within the behavioral health system.2. Increase access points for individuals seeking care, whether behavioral, physical, dental, or other types of health care.3. Promote the integration of mental health and overall health care, emphasizing that mental health is an essential component of comprehensive health care.%u201cWe are thrilled to receive this funding, bringing mental health and primary care services closer together,%u201d said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. %u201cBy integrating these critical care areas, we can address the whole person, improve health outcomes, and reduce patient costs. HPMHC will begin implementing the program immediately, collaborating with local primary care providers to identify integration opportunities. This funding reaffirms our commitment to innovation and collaboration in delivering high-quality care. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.%u201dThis initiative will directly address critical gaps in integrated care and implement targeted strategies to achieve the following objectives:%u2022 Reduce Barriers to Accessing Care Eliminate obstacles that prevent individuals from obtaining comprehensive physical and behavioral health services by streamlining processes, increasing access points, and prioritizing underserved communities.%u2022 Increase Capacity for Integrated Care Expand the reach and effectiveness of integrated care by fostering collaboration among providers, establishing strong referral networks, and enhancing communication between physical and behavioral health systems.%u2022 Address Suicidal Ideation Through Holistic Support Decrease instances of suicidal ideation by delivering coordinated services that address physical health, behavioral health, and the broader social determinants of health.%u2022 Improve Access to Primary Care Facilitate timely access to primary care services through robust screening processes and referral mechanisms designed to connect individuals with the care they need.%u201cThe PIPBHC grant will play an integral role in helping Pawnee Mental Health Services integrate primary care and behavioral health under one roof,%u201d said Mike Rezkalla, CEO of Pawnee Mental