AIM/GOAL
Increase equitable access to skilled and coordinated care between specialty behavioral health and the larger health system, including primary care, while decreasing barriers to ensure an effective and timely response.
Behavioral Health: Increase Access and Coordination Measures
The measures in the 2020-2024 Central Oregon Regional Health Improvement Plan for the Behavioral Health: Access and Coordination chapter were defined by regional subject-matter experts dedicated to improving the behavioral health care delivery system in Central Oregon.
Two of the measures below require developing methods of data collection because there is not enough data that exists on important topics such as timeliness and engagement with behavioral health services. Additionally, access to services is limited in rural areas, especially in behavioral health.
Measure #1: Increase the availability of behavioral health providers in marginalized areas of the region
Dec
2024
2024
Current State (2020)
The availability of behavioral health providers is less in the rural areas of the region as measured by 'mental health providers per 1,000 population', according to the 2019 Oregon Areas of Unmet Health Care Need Report.- Oregon 1.33
- Oregon rural 0.62
- Bend 1.83
- La Pine 0.45
- Madras 0.58
- Prineville 0.68
- Redmond 0.58
- Sisters 0.66
- Warm Springs 0.71
Future State:
Improve the availability of behavioral health providers in rural areas of the region to exceed the Oregon average for rural areas of 0.62 in 2019 as measured by 'mental health providers per 1,000 population'.
Measure #2: Develop a method to measure timeliness and engagement when referred by primary care to specialty behavioral health
Dec
2024
2024
Current State (2020)
Currently, there is no way to measure timeliness and engagement with specialty behavioral health when people are referred from primary care.Future State:
Develop a method to measure timeliness and engagement with specialty behavioral health referred from primary care.Timeliness is defined by the number of patients who are offered an appointment within one week of a primary care referral appointment.Engagement is defined by the number of patients who had at least three visits/encounters with specialty behavioral health provider within 60 days of the primary care provider referral.
Measure #3: Standardize screening processes for appropriate levels of follow-care across services
Dec
2024
2024
Current State (2020)
There is not a standardized screening process to assure clients receive the appropriate level of care and follow-up across the various array and intensity of services in Central Oregon.Future State:
Develop a method to standardize screening processes to assure clients receive the appropriate level of care and follow-up across various services in Central Oregon.
What We're Learning About Behavioral Health
In Central Oregon, there are already dozens of innovative projects working toward these measures.
Take a look through the list below to learn more.
If you have a funding request under $5,000 that impacts a measure listed on this page, you may be eligible for funding.
Read all eligibility requirements on the Central Oregon Health Council website.
Interested in learning about potential strategies to impact these measures? Promising practices are available in our Resource Library.
Want to participate in a workgroup? This group meets every 3rd Wednesday from 1-2:30pm. Contact the project managers for this workgroup through its workgroup's page on the Central Oregon Health Council website.