Community Consortium Meeting
October 17, 2012
In attendance: Leah Bradley, Community Health Link, Bob Guerino, Mass Medicaid, Dave Modzelewski, Network, Jennifer Moore, Behavioral Health Network, Pamela Schwartz, Network coordinator, Julianne Siegfired, UMass, Jennifer Wuest, BHN, Heather Zaykowski, UMass/Boston
Year 1 evaluation and reflections: Click here for evaluation report presented by Heather Zaykowski of UMassBoston. In short: We exceeded goals for Year 1. Above required rate of 6 month follow-up. Majority of people are in age group 45-54, most are male, about 30% are self-reporting as veterans. Mixed race and ethnicity, majority white, 1/3 Hispanic and 1/3 black. Living arrangements: self-reported prior to enrollment – most people before entering come from a shelter, 1/5 from the street, 1/5 from a housing situation that is some form of temporary housing. Education: substantial numbers who completed high school or equivalent of high school diploma. Substance use: significant number not reporting alcohol or illegal drugs in the last 30 days (some clients may be reluctant to give accurate estimates). Mental health behaviors: 30 days prior to enrollment, significant numbers experienced some kind of mental health issues.
Reflections: Julianne relayed David Smelson’s appreciation, very impressed with this grant. “One of the best grants that he’s had.” Especially appreciative of collaborations that have occurred, with evaluation, service providers, linking vet and non-vet organizations, etc. Thanks to all for making first year possible.
Year 2: challenges/opportunities: Focus in Year 2 on sustainability. How to continue these services and partnerships in the future? SAMHSA will be offering additional opportunities for future grants – David would like us to consider pursuing them. Leah: consider peer support grants.
Also to consider: how do we manage transition period for clients transitioning out of services? Jennifer Wuest shared her hearing about creative ways to bill for case management under “rehab option” – could be more to explore there.. Feeling optimistic for discharge for many in view of how many are doing in the program – many are very stable right now. Others may need intensive services due to post traumatic stress.
BHN: concerned about high case loads for Year 2 in view of enrollment numbers. CHL concerned about that as well.
Agency Updates:
Community Health Link: identifying people for next round. Considering staggering enrollment since can’t bring on all 10 right away. Another person incarcerated. Challenging issue.
Behavioral Health Network: screened and enrolled 2 in the month of October. Planning to enroll 2 more by the end of the month. Bowdoin Street is being used. 2 people housed through Springfield Housing Authority’s chronically homeless program – but not currently connected with service provider, so makes for greater challenge.
Network to End Homelessness: 13 Shelter Plus Care scattered site units now available – services will be available through Mission West.
Network data update: Pamela reported on Andrea Miller’s behalf: Work ongoing for Housing Option Tool (HOT) – an online housing inventory tool. Dave M and Andrea working closely on gathering necessary data from providers – that is the biggest challenge. Andrea also working on chronically homeless data, allowing for close tracking of population’s increase/decrease and demographics over time. Andrea will provide more in-depth report at the November meeting. David Smelson recommended the Network keep ICHH informed of Housing Option Tool, could be a useful model for other parts of the State. Pamela is in close touch with ICHH and will keep them posted on our developments.
Next meeting: Monday, 11/26, 11 am – 12 noon
Child Guidance Clinic
110 Maple Street, Springfield
Call-in number: 413-304-2897
