Orange County NC Website
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12 <br /> • Non-partisan redistricting processes provide the opportunity to focus on fair criteria. <br /> Commissions are often required to follow strict, neutral criteria, such as promoting <br /> political competition and creating compact, contiguous, and fair districts. <br /> HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (NCACC Legislative Advocacy Goal Category) <br /> Orange County lacks the behavioral health capacity needed to keep people out of crisis, out of jail, <br /> and safely in the community. <br /> • GOAL — Support legislation to establish a Medicaid code to reimburse behavioral <br /> health urgent care (BHUC) services at a sustainable rate. <br /> TALKING POINTS/LOCAL IMPACT <br /> • Orange County is starting construction on a behavioral health crisis facility that <br /> includes a BHUC unit with 12 bays. Without a Medicaid code for reimbursement for <br /> this care, the County will be required to largely fund this critical and cost-effective care <br /> for youth and adults. The county funds necessary for this care could be up to $4 million <br /> per year. <br /> • Crisis stabilization at a BHUC reduces unnecessary emergency room utilization and <br /> incarceration. <br /> • GOAL — Support legislation to increase innovation waiver slots more aggressively to <br /> meet the Olmstead Act requirements to serve members of the public with Intellectual <br /> or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) (current waiting list of approximately 17,000). <br /> TALKING POINTS/LOCAL IMPACT: <br /> • Additional waiver slots would help residents that have care needs eligible for supports <br /> and services in the community. There are currently very few supportive housing and <br /> residential options available through Medicaid. Innovation Waivers provide funding for <br /> individuals with I/DD to receive these levels of care. The Waiver also provides <br /> community supports, home and vehicle modifications that enable more independent <br /> living, and funding for respite to support caregivers. <br /> • There are 353 Orange County residents on the waitlist, which is referred to as the <br /> Registry of Unmet Needs. <br /> • GOAL — Seek legislation to consistently fund treatment and diversion programs that <br /> reduce incarceration. <br /> (Strategic Plan Priority 2, Objectives 1 & 4) <br /> TALKING POINTS/LOCAL IMPACT: <br /> • 75% of pre-trial detainees self-report behavioral health needs. <br /> • Four County diversion programs rely entirely on county funding. <br /> • GOAL — Seek legislation and ongoing funding to support youth in foster care and <br /> those transitioning to adulthood. <br /> (Strategic Plan Priority 2, Objective 3) <br />