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Assess the state of the mental health care system in the greater Chapel Hill community <br /> MH Reform mandated in 2001. State of system in 2009: <br /> *Fragmented, complex, inequitable system characterized by "silos of care" and service/ <br /> access gaps <br /> *State leadership has been weak and "reactive" <br /> *Providers are losing money <br /> *Many under-served individuals, including those... <br /> ...lost from the system during reform and never found again <br /> ...at risk of homelessness or already homeless <br /> ...whose care is not already funded through Medicaid or private insurance or is funded through <br /> Medicare <br /> ...in the 18-25 age group <br /> Strengths of the mental health service delivery system in Chapel Hill and environs <br /> *Committed provider community <br /> •UNC network of inpatient/outpatient services = de facto "safety net" <br /> •Local government services/supports <br /> •OPC strives to maximize services <br /> *Orange County Mental Health Association and NAMI Orange County lead active <br /> education/advocacy efforts <br /> Challenges of the mental health service delivery system in Chapel Hill and environs <br /> *Gaps in service <br /> Transportation -Adult day programming -After hours and weekend services - Post- <br /> hospitalization continuing care - Services for 18 to 25 age group - Social work services for <br /> shelter residents - Services for elderly individuals <br /> *Over-reliance on UNC as both first and last resort. <br /> *Attraction of our area for people with mental health issues (UNC and the general climate) <br /> *Navigating the mental health system - no simple road map <br /> *The advantage for access to services held by individuals with Medicaid coverage. <br /> *Inadequate supply of safe, affordable housing <br />