Agenda - 03-13-2007-9c - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 in the west are the main population centers. Around Siler City resides a very large and rapidly growing permanent Latino population. This sub-community does not make use of public mental health, developmental disabilities and/or substance abuse services in numbers proportionate to its size. OPC has a strong administrative infrastructure that efficiently .uses its resources to manage its internal programs.. We are also fortunate to have experienced administrative and professional clinical staff members who carry out the requirements of the LME and address the needs of the community at large. Other strengths include the following: • 24/7/365 screening, triage and referral (STR) capacity with live bilingual voice response to all those who need it and an on-call back up system to support after- hours STR • a provider community comprised of over 240 gences and individual clinicians who provide over 100 different services, including~.all seven, best practice models • a hospital liaison who is able to provide <(mmedate response to consumers who are hospitalized • a .care review system in all three counties that,: has been successful in keeping consumers in their home communities ~~~, ` ~= • active participation by LME staff in over 30 community, groups and committees, including three Community Collaboratives for children • a strong housing program that includes crisis apartments and other housing initiatives •3 a large percentage,~of:{icerised LME staff available to provide technical assistance and clinical consultation to.providers • an approved training,.,, program which enables the LME to offer continuing education units to licensed clinicians, 6oth~for providers and staff • a strong customer service department-that provides timely response to complaints from consumers and providers ~- • an endorsement and monitoring process that is collaborative and provides technical assistance to improve the quality gf'services • a Gonsumer and Family Advisory Committee with a diverse and active membership While OPC has many strengths, it also faces multiple challenges to successful functioning as an LME for our community. These challenges include the following: • stabilization of OPC's financial health to ensure continued viability of the LME • a business system that is in its infancy • the need for a sophisticated system to fully automate the claims, STR, authorizations, and customer service functions • increasing hospitalization rates • staff turnover and recruitment issues • the need for a comprehensive public relations approach to educating the community about available services and the LME's role in obtaining those services • the need to increase communication and collaboration with community hospitals 4