Priority Area Leaders

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Coalition Steering Committee Rep: Ken Bates, Open Sky Community Services

WDPH Staff Rep: Cassandra Andersen

Priority Area Conveners: Ken Bates, Open Sky Community Services and Dr. Mattie Castiel City of Worcester

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To be added to the Mental Health distribution list, please email info@healthygreaterworcester.org.   

                                   

Priority Area Aim

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Foster a community responsive to the mental health needs of all populations, considerate of all ages and cultures, and resilient to changing environments and demographics.

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Objectives and Strategies

 

Obj. 4.1. Increase the number of well-trained, culturally-diverse mental health providers in the region by 10% by 2020.    
 

4.1.1. Promote career options in the mental health field, beginning in high school
4.1.2. Advocate for policy changes for mental health that remove barriers that prevent health professionals from interning and staying in the mental health field such as livable wages, tuition reimbursement, etc.
 

Obj. 4.2 By 2018, develop a long-term plan for integrating ongoing assessment of the mental health needs of the region into ongoing Community Health Assessment, including academic cultural, and faith-based organizations in the planning of which.    
 

4.2.1. Use the Mobilizing Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)  process to outline the scope of data collection to best assess the disparate needs, beliefs, and resources available for the many racial, ethnic, and cultural populations of the region, providing a mechanism for diverse residents to have shared power in the design and implementation of the assessment. 
4.2.2. Once assessment is complete, distribute inventory of resources in partnership with community leaders to empower residents to seek ongoing care.
4.2.3. Identify and recommend best practices in culturally responsive mental health screening and referrals to help non-provider organizations screen and refer for mental health challenges.
 

Obj. 4.3. Engage 20,000 individuals in training or educating to reduce stigma surrounding mental health for adults and young children by 2020.    
 

4.3.1. Implement evidence-based curricula and training programs to provide mental health education in schools and youth serving organizations in the Worcester region, in order to increase knowledge of mental health and reduce stigma.
4.3.2. Implement public awareness campaigns that reduce stigma surrounding mental health for the adult population developed in partnership with community.
 

Obj. 4.4. Implement 10 MOUs by 2020 to establish a collaborative care model for mental health treatment to reduce gaps in service.    
 

4.4.1. Hold a Worcester area regional summit on mental health that focuses on collaborative care models and evidence based payment structures.
4.4.2. Implement a collaborative care model that integrates medical and behavioral health providers, and brings in community partners such as the police, the school system, and others. 

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Minutes from Past Meetings

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Mental Health Folder on the Coalition Drive

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Future Meetings

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Coalition Calendar

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2016 CHIP 

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2016 CHIP Document

 

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