A $600,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, will allow our organization to expand access and introduce new tools in the world of Behavioral Health care.
At Advance Community Health, our mission is to deliver quality, compassionate care that meets the needs of every patient, every time. This commitment has been at the heart of our work for over 50 years, and now, the Behavioral Health Service Expansion (BHSE) grant will allow the organization to take a significant leap forward.
This grant will not only drive growth within our organization but also allow us to support the parts of our community that need us most.
Addressing Critical Challenges in Our Community
Residents in Wake and Franklin Counties face significant barriers to accessing the care they need. The BHSE grant allows us to address these hurdles head-on. Among the challenges we aim to address with this grant are:
- Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: The shortage of healthcare facilities, hospitals, and clinics means many residents must travel long distances to access services. Outdated technology and infrastructure further hinder care delivery.
- Health Literacy and Education Barriers: Low health literacy affects many in our community, making it harder for individuals to manage chronic conditions and adhere to treatment plans. This challenge extends to parents and caregivers, impacting the care of children and dependents.
- Behavioral and Mental Health: High rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders—especially among vulnerable populations like the homeless—underscore the urgent need for expanded mental health services.
- Health Disparities: Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist, with Black residents facing higher mortality rates than their White counterparts (794.8 vs. 607.4 per 100,000 population).
- Language Barriers: Nearly 16.6% of residents in our service area require healthcare services in a language other than English. Language barriers often delay care and create additional challenges for non-English-speaking individuals in navigating the healthcare system.
Expanding Behavioral Health Services, Access, and Equity
The BHSE grant comes at a crucial time as behavioral health challenges, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders, continue to rise in our community. We plan to use the BHSE funding to support the expansion of behavioral health services within Advance Community Health. This includes:
- Expanding Psychiatry and Psychological Services: Providing more comprehensive care to our patients.
- Adding Outpatient Therapy: Launching this new service line will allow us to offer more in-depth mental health support.
- Improving Care Coordination: Reducing the need for external referrals, keeping patients within the Advance health system, and improving continuity of care.
- Reducing Wait Times: Shortening the time patients wait to be seen and begin treatment.
- Increasing Access: Ensuring that vital behavioral health services are available to those who need them most.
- Partnering with Local Organizations: Improving access through mobile screenings, transportation, translation services, and community events.
- Increasing Health Literacy: Providing education and resources tailored to the needs of our diverse community.
These enhancements reflect our commitment to addressing the rising demand for mental health services bridging the gap, and ensuring our community receives timely, accessible care.
“Over the last four years, I believe our community has learned the importance and increased demand for behavioral health services. I genuinely believe that mental health is healthcare, and it’s amazing to be a part of Advance Community Health, which has chosen to be part of the solution,” Director of Behavioral Health Raina Briggs, LCSW, LCAS, said.
Making a Difference Where It’s Needed Most
Our goal is simple; to ensure no one in our community is left behind when it comes to accessing life-changing care. Since inception, ACH has not wavered from its mission statement or hesitated when faced with the challenge of meeting the health care needs of service area residents and will continue to uphold the same mission and values.
With this grant, our behavioral health services will become an even stronger advocate for health equity and wellness. This funding is more than an investment in our organization—it’s an investment in the health and future of our community.
Stay tuned for updates as we implement these exciting initiatives and continue working to break barriers in behavioral health care.
