On June 6, 2013, First Focus, along with the National Council for Behavioral Health and 13 other organizations, cosponsored a congressional briefing on “Substance Use Disorders in Child Welfare: What Works for Children and Families.” The briefing was intended to spark a dialogue with Congressional members, national partners, and others about the need for public policy changes that […]
Service accessibility
Engaging Clients Through Specialized Staff and Integration
Objective: To engage clients in mental health services by reducing stigma and making services accessible through the use of peer specialists, on-site consultants or wellness center counselors Description: Peer Specialist Certificate Program: One of the most successful outreach and engagement programs for Richmond Area Multi-Services, Inc. (RAMS) is the Peer Specialist Certificate Program. The program […]
Promoting Wellness and Reducing Stigma Through Culturally Competent Outreach
Objective: To promote wellness in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities living in Alameda County and help overcome stigma through culturally competent outreach. Description: API Connection is funded by Alameda County’s Mental Health Service Act to do early prevention and intervention services. By employing culturally-based outreach, education, mental health consultation, and early intervention services in […]
Toronto Community Addiction Team: Targeting Frequent Health Care Users With Severe Addictions
A program co-led by St. Michael’s Hospital could be the next widely used model to treat patients who are frequent users of the health care system and have severe addictions, often complicated by homelessness and mental health problems. The Toronto Community Addiction Team (TCAT) was developed to improve health and social outcomes for people with […]
Mental Health Disparities: American Indians and Alaska Natives
Research on mental health among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) is limited by the small size of this population and by its heterogeneity. Nevertheless, existing research suggests that AI/AN youths and adults suffer a disproportionate burden of mental health problems and disorders. Among AI/AN people, there is a wide range of beliefs about illness, healing, […]
Project Brotherhood: Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Black Men
Objective: To provide the medical and social services necessary to improve the overall health and well being of the black men in the community, as well as lay a foundation for black youth to maintain control over their own health. Description: Project Brotherhood (PB) offers services that address a wide range of issues, such as […]