Creating new pathways to improve care.

On March 15th, MHVC partners delivered two webinars that are part of the training action plan of the DSRIP Project 3.a.ii Cross-PPS Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Project (link here). The two consensus-based, best-practice behavioral health (BH) protocols developed by Hudson Valley partners were the subjects of separate webinars, one  on the “Crisis Care Transitions” protocol, and the second on the “Community Crisis and Urgent Care” protocol. Each webinar focused on a consumer example to demonstrate how the protocol can be integrated into our current crisis-care delivery system, and to highlight accountability. The links to both webinar proceedings will be available soon.

The two protocols consolidate best-practices and partner consensus to improve outcomes for people who experience BH crisis by offering multiple points of access in community settings to needed evidence-based care and support. The goals are to ensure that everyone who has an urgent or crisis need is given assistance, and to reduce avoidable emergency department (ED) presentations and inpatient episodes.

The three sponsoring PPSs, MHVC, WMC, and Refuah, are seeking adaptation of the protocols by partners for both urban and rural practices. They are also looking for partners to establish stretch goals for individual providers and local systems to implement the Crisis protocols. These cross-PPS protocols can be used with funders, local governments, and boards to assist with obtaining funding for sustainability. For more information, contact MHVC consultant, Kristin M. Woodlock, (917) 244-4221.