Behavioral Health

Draft Goals:

• Increase access to evidence-based, culturally tailored mental health and substance use services
• Decrease behavioral health stigma and therefore its impact on overall health

The Behavioral Health Workgroup reviewed how the Urban Institute Upward Mobility Framework will guide CHIP implementation, particularly within the pillar Healthy Environment and Access to Good Healthcare. Upward Mobility Framework | Urban Institute | Upward Mobility Initiative Members continued refining two core CHIP goals focused on expanding access to culturally tailored behavioral health services and reducing stigma related to mental health and substance use. Discussion emphasized the importance of clearly defining culturally tailored care population and improved referral systems.

Proposed CHIP Goals:

• Draft Goal 1: Increase access to evidence-based, culturally tailored treatment and recovery services for mental health and substance use.
• Draft Goal 2: Decrease behavioral health and substance use stigma and its impact on overall health.

Populations of Focus:

• Youth (10–19), pregnant and perinatal individuals, and young adult males

Strategies and Initiatives Discussed:

• Aligning activities with existing initiatives such as Mental Health First Aid trainings, anti-stigma campaigns, and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Potential Outcomes:

• Increased help-seeking behaviors
• Improved recovery outcomes

Next Steps:

• Work will continue to define measurable indicators and refine goals before the next meeting.

No workgroup meeting in March. Lens/co-chair meeting is scheduled for March 26th. The workgroup will meet next in April. For questions, email HealthCHIP@sedgwick.gov.