AHN Center for Inclusion Health Gains $325,000 Grant for Mental Health Services Expansion

Expansion of Behavioral Health Services in Pittsburgh

The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Center for Inclusion Health (CIH) has recently announced an exciting development: a grant of $325,000 from the Eden Hall Foundation designed to bolster its community-based behavioral health initiatives. This grant marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health and substance use disorder treatment, particularly in underserved areas of Pittsburgh.

The AHN Mobile Mental Health Access Project

In the coming months, the center will launch the 'AHN Mobile Mental Health Access Project', aimed at making mental health services more accessible to those in dire need. The project is ambitious; it seeks to use a mobile unit fully outfitted with the necessary equipment, which will be staffed by a skilled Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) as part of a multidisciplinary team. This team is critical, as their role includes delivering rapid interventions, stabilizing individuals, and providing short-term therapy for those grappling with mental illness and substance use issues, a challenge that is particularly severe among homeless populations.

The initiative aims to facilitate access to specialized psychiatry and addiction care, ensuring that patients are connected with other essential health services and local resources that address the myriad social determinants of health impacting their lives.

Addressing a Public Health Crisis

This initiative comes at a time when the urgency for accessible mental health services is increasingly clear. A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that around 21.5 million adults in the United States experienced co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in 2022. Barriers such as high costs, long waiting periods, the challenge of maintaining sobriety, and a lack of trained providers have made it difficult for these individuals to receive the care they desperately need.

In Pennsylvania, although there was a reported decrease in drug overdose deaths from 2023 to early 2024, the staggering fact remains that over 4,000 individuals still lost their lives to overdoses during this timeframe, according to data from the CDC. Notably, Allegheny County alone recorded 665 overdose fatalities in 2023, underlining the profound need for enhanced treatments and support mechanisms.

Reaching Those in Need

The Mobile Mental Health Access Project specifically aims to assist 200 unique individuals within its first operational year. This effort will build upon the already existing street medicine and addiction services provided by AHN caregivers, who strive to reach individuals in their environments to deliver the necessary care.

Dr. Liz Cuevas, division chief at AHN Center for Inclusion Health, emphasized the critical importance of this initiative by stating, “This innovative project will directly address the critical need for accessible behavioral health services in our community, particularly for individuals facing both mental illness and substance use disorder.” Dr. Cuevas also expressed gratitude towards the Eden Hall Foundation for their support, underpinning the initiative's mission.

Infrastructure and Impact

The funds granted by the Eden Hall Foundation will not only aid in hiring a dedicated BHC but will also be pivotal in the outfitting of the mobile unit. The facility will be designed thoughtfully to include a patient examination area, essential amenities like a bathroom, and features to ensure patient comfort such as climate control and refrigeration for necessary supplies. Additionally, the unit will be equipped with vital patient care items like hygiene products, snacks, and water to support those utilizing the services.

Sylvia Fields, President of the Eden Hall Foundation, expressed excitement about this partnership, noting that health equity is paramount in Pittsburgh. She stated, “Increasing access to health care can seriously improve health outcomes by removing barriers preventing people from seeking the care they need. In turn, the city itself becomes healthier.”

About AHN Center for Inclusion Health

Founded in 2014, the AHN Center for Inclusion Health has dedicated itself to transforming health care with innovative models and fervent advocacy to serve every individual, especially those facing social and health barriers. The project is expected to play a crucial role in navigating Pittsburgh through its challenging landscape of health inequities.

Through its integrated approach, the AHN network is committed to providing access to a full range of advanced medical services, underlining the importance of community-focused solutions in public health.

For further information, please visit AHN Center for Inclusion Health.