About

The Advisory Work Group plays a crucial role in shaping the services and policies of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). By bringing together individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, as well as their family members, the group ensures that the lived experiences and needs of those affected by these challenges are front and center in the decision-making process.

Members of the Advisory Work Group provide valuable insights that inform the implementation of programs and services, ensuring they are both relevant and effective. Their feedback can address various issues, such as accessibility, quality of care, and community resources, ultimately leading to a more patient-centered approach.

It is essential for the CCBHC to regularly consult with this group to promote transparency and foster trust within the community. Engaging individuals with lived experiences helps create policies that are not only responsive but also tailored to meet the diverse needs of those they aim to serve. This collaborative approach ultimately enhances the effectiveness of mental health and substance use services, supporting individuals on their path to recovery and well-being.

During the no-cost extension (NCE) period, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) focused on advancing three primary goals of the Crisis to Connections project.

Goal 1: By the conclusion of the no-cost extension period, Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOTs) aimed to increase their response to behavioral health or substance use crisis intervention requests in Montgomery County by 80%. This goal underscores the commitment to enhance immediate support and intervention for individuals in crisis.

Goal 2: Another significant objective was to ensure that by the end of the NCE period, 85% of clients in Residential Crisis care, 60% of Transitional Behavioral Health clients, and 15% of Crisis Intervention clients received comprehensive health assessments, as well as critical infectious disease testing and vaccinations. This goal highlights the importance of integrating health care services within crisis interventions.

Goal 3: The third goal focused on the role of Crisis Center Navigators, who were tasked with monitoring and maintaining regular contact with at least 50% of clients until they transitioned into a safe and appropriate service environment or achieved recovery from their crisis. This approach aims to provide continuous support and ensure that clients do not fall through the cracks during their treatment journey.

Collectively, the no-cost extension period provided DHHS with the opportunity to solidify these objectives and ensure continued progress in meeting the pressing needs of the community.

During the NCE grant period, our MCOT successfully addressed 1,998 requests for crisis intervention. This marks a substantial increase from last year’s total of 825, reflecting a 142% rise in responses and surpassing our goal to increase responses by 80%. This growth reflects our commitment to improving access to crisis intervention services and meeting the evolving needs of the community.