HBHM embarks on 3-year strategic plan to repair broken behavioral health system

“Long before COVID-19 hit, mental health services and supports have been inadequate in Washington County,” HBHM Director Susan Orban points out. “Our children, friends, and neighbors continue to flood local emergency rooms in crisis, in increasing numbers.”

In response, Orban says, HBHM spent the past two years developing a new 3-year action plan to address the crisis.

“Most important, we prioritized the voices of consumers and their family members in developing strategies and solutions. It was a data-driven process, but driven by the wisdom of people who have lived through the experiences of mental health challenges.”

You can access the main report and supporting documents here:

• Full report
• The plan at a glance
• Integrated Needs Assessment 3-4-20, the key backup information that feeds the plan
• System Gaps, Priority Areas, and Strategies: A two-chart file that shows 1) the gaps in the existing behavioral services system, and 2) a proposed model that provides comprehensive preventive and responsive services
• Washington County Focus Group Report, a powerful group of consumers and families speak about their personal experiences with Washington County’s mental health system
• The YouTube video describing the issues and proposals