Providing Access to Appropriate Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is a holistic term that encompasses the range of emotional, psychological and social factors that affect a person’s overall wellbeing. As the U.S. has grappled with a global pandemic, the prevalence of mental health disorders has steadily increased, especially among youth. This trend is mirrored throughout our region and is especially concerning in Washington, D.C., where the number of suicide attempts is nearly double the national average. Worsening behavioral health outcomes are exacerbated by a national shortage of behavioral health professionals. Eighteen of Maryland’s 24 counties face a shortage of mental health providers, as well as the Anacostia and Southeast Capital Beltway neighborhoods in Washington, DC.
Marginalized populations, whether due to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, disability status or any other factor face interpersonal and structural discrimination and often experience more trauma than their peers. These challenging life experiences and consistent stressors can contribute to poor behavioral health outcomes like depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Despite having a higher need for behavioral health services, like counseling, hospitalization or substance use treatment, marginalized groups are less likely to receive care. In some cases, these disparities in access are economic, as many people in marginalized populations may be uninsured or financially unstable. However, it can also be challenging to find providers capable of providing empathetic and appropriate high-quality care.
How We Provided Support
In 2021, it was abundantly clear that it would be necessary to adjust to a ‘new normal.’ For behavioral health, this meant CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) meeting needs head on by investing in community partners whose relationships in the community allowed them to provide vital behavioral health services in-person and via telemedicine to those in most need. CareFirst collaborated with partners who were able to reach the populations most at risk of poor behavioral health outcomes and ensuring healthcare providers were best equipped to meet the needs of these communities.
Grantee Spotlight
Westminster Rescue Mission
CareFirst partnered with Westminster Rescue Mission in Carroll County, Md., in their efforts to enhance care for substance use disorders through a comprehensive model of care. This well-established community partners reported a decrease in screenings and admissions for substance use disorders since the start of COVID-19 and addressed this challenge through the implementation of point of care COVID-19 testing to allow COVID negative patients to access care more quickly, while protecting all patients and staff. This change allowed the Westminster Rescue Mission to increase the number of patients completing treatment and the number of patients securing employment before finishing treatment.
After the first six months of implementation, performance metrics showed that the project was on track to meet its goals and was likely to exceed goals in patients securing employment.
For All Seasons
On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, CareFirst collaborated with For All Seasons to fund their programs providing targeted outreach and school-based family support groups for the Latinx community. COVID-19 disproportionately affected Latinx communities across the state, but despite the stresses of economic instability and loss of family members and friends, For All Seasons did not see an increasing demand for behavioral health services. For All Seasons aimed to build relationships and trust in the Latinx community through a Spanish-language media campaign and the development of a series of family support groups to serve as an initial access point to services and engage the community.
These efforts were successful, leading to 330 Latinx clients from eight counties initiating behavioral health services in person or via telehealth.
Read our complete 2021 Community Impact Report.