The United Health Foundation created a $3.3 million grant collaboration with the North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN), a federally designated health center serving Clallam County, to assist provide greater resources for behavioral health treatment in Washington. The money will be used to deploy community- and school-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of children and their families in the Port Angeles region over a three-year period.
- Effective mental health: NOHN will use a mobile medical unit to deliver mental health and primary care services to 1,000 children in grades K-12, as well as behavioral health education to students and parents. The collaboration is projected to result in a tenfold increase in the number of students receiving behavioral health treatments, as well as a reduction in the stigma associated with behavioral health among children and their families.
- Leverages: “We are excited by this opportunity to leverage community collaborations and innovative mobile delivery models to bring much needed behavioral and primary care services to those in greatest need, wherever they are,” said Dr. Michael Maxwell, CEO for North Olympic Healthcare Network. “This impactful grant funding and partnership with the United Health Foundation will help us address critical behavioral health needs in our students earlier and with fewer barriers, while also supporting community outreach to adults who are struggling with behavioral and chronic medical conditions.”
- Expansion: Additionally, NOHN will expand the Port Angeles Community Paramedicine program to support individuals who frequently use the local emergency department (ED) for non-emergency behavioral health or substance misuse issues, and connect them to more personalized resources.
- Improving healthcare: UnitedHealth Group is committed to expanding access to care, improving health care affordability, and achieving better health outcomes. Partnering with key stakeholders works to advance health equity, build healthier communities and support ongoing response efforts to COVID-19. Since 2019, UnitedHealth Group has invested over $36 million in strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations and other community partners to improve behavioral health.
- Partnership: “Mental health has been an increasing concern for adults and children in Washington, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue,” said Sue Birch, Washington Health Care Authority director. “Through this partnership, members of the Port Angeles community will have better access to the care and resources they need.”