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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 5, 2016 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 6-e <br /> SUBJECT: Request for an Additional 1.0 FTE for a Behavioral Health Social Work Clinical <br /> Specialist for Integrated Behavioral Health Services <br /> DEPARTMENT: Health <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Dr. Colleen Bridger, 919-245-2412 <br /> Pam McCall, 919-245-2402 <br /> Rebecca Crawford, 919-245-2414 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a Board of Health recommended request for an additional 1.0 FTE (full <br /> time equivalent) position for a behavioral health Social Work Clinical Specialist to support the <br /> continuation of a successful pilot program integrating behavioral and mental health treatment <br /> services into the Health Department's Medical Clinic. The position will cost a total of $6,323 for <br /> the remainder of the current fiscal year and $79,694 for FY 2016-17. The position will be fully <br /> funded using maintenance of effort funds currently paid to Cardinal Innovations for mental <br /> health services. <br /> BACKGROUND: Behavioral and social factors contribute to nearly every cause of death, <br /> illness, and disability (Journal of the American Medical Association 2004). As many as 85% of <br /> physician visits are for problems that have a significant psychological and/or behavioral <br /> component (American Psychological Association 2016). Research has shown that integrating <br /> mental health, substance abuse and primary care services enhances service, improves quality <br /> of care, reduces health care costs, and produces the best outcomes for caring for people with <br /> multiple healthcare needs. <br /> In August 2015, the Health Department initiated integrated behavioral health as a part of the <br /> health department's primary care services. Utilizing a UNC-PrimeCare Masters of Social Work <br /> (MSW) Intern (UNC-PrimeCare interns are masters in social work students trained to work in <br /> primary care settings as behavioral and mental healthcare specialists), the Health Department <br /> piloted providing integrated behavioral health and prime care services in both Department <br /> clinics. <br /> From August 2015 to February 2016, the Health Department UNC-PrimeCare Intern provided <br /> services to 56 patients with mental or behavioral health issues and/or substance abuse. <br /> Through a combination of one-time, integrated (coordinated behavioral and physical health <br /> service) visits and ongoing psychotherapy (4-6 weekly sessions), the MSW Intern addressed <br /> issues ranging from suicidality, postpartum depression, domestic violence and post traumatic <br />