Tuesday, January 24, 2017

NYS Selected for Program to Strengthen Community-Based Integrated Behavioral Health Care


ALBANY, NY – The New York State Office of Mental Health, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Health today announced that New York has been selected to participate in a two-year demonstration program to better integrate community-based physical and behavioral healthcare services and promote access to improved primary care, mental health, and substance-use disorder services.

New York is one of only eight states selected to participate in the demonstration phase of this federal initiative, awarded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). New York was originally one of twenty-four states selected to receive planning grants in the winter of 2015, to strengthen community-based mental health care and substance use disorder programs through the development of new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in pilot sites across the state.
 
“Integrating behavioral health services with primary health care gives all New Yorkers the chance to find holistic wellness right in their communities,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “The opportunity to develop these Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across the state will enrich New York’s behavioral health system and advance the state’s vast Medicaid and healthcare reform plans initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Being selected as a recipient for this federal program proves that New York State is viewed as a leader in providing accessible mental health care for anyone who needs it.”

“Expanding access to high quality community-based health and behavioral health services is critical for New York communities. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Initiative, New York State is changing healthcare delivery systems to offer results-driven, person-centered care, where and when people need it most. These clinics exemplify New York’s commitment to integrating primary care and mental health care within communities and the promise of better health outcomes for all.” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
 
“Substance use disorders need to be treated like any other chronic health condition, taking into account the overall whole health of a person,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “This demonstration project will help us show that our clinics can provide primary care, mental health and substance use disorder services in an integrated clinic setting.”  
 
Click here for the full article. 
 
Source: New York State Office of Mental Health

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