Ovia Health’s Post

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) , through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) , announced notices of funding opportunities aimed at improving women’s behavioral health across the United States. With a combined total of $27.5 million, this funding underscores the Administration’s commitment to addressing the unique mental health and substance use treatment needs of women. SAMHSA additionally announced nearly $1 million in grant awards for two grant recipients as a part of the Services Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women. The Notices of Funding opportunities, made possible with funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, will support women’s behavioral health by expanding access to services and enhancing the capacity of providers to identify and address mental health investments to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address the mental health and overdose crises – two key pillars of the President’s Unity Agenda for the nation. Read the full statement https://lnkd.in/gBimKE6q

Citing a new report on the success of no-restraint policies in Italy, Citizens Commission on Human Rights calls for mental health care reforms that align with international standards for a human rights-based approach in mental health practices.

Please have a look at the below and take part if you can. I would be grateful if you could please also share the survey with your contacts! Views of health and social care professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities on proposed MHA reforms. Are you a health (non-medical/Psychiatry) or social care professional who works primarily with adults with intellectual disabilities? We would like to hear your views on the proposed mental health act changes published recently (https://lnkd.in/gYqk6Xdw). Under the proposals, detention using the criteria of abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct will not be considered warranting compulsory treatment under section 3 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) for England and Wales. This is in the absence of a co-occurring mental illness. We ask for your help to understand what the practice, challenges and possible barriers will be if these section 3 changes go ahead. Your input would allow us to gain insight to the unique experiences and challenges, health and social care staff working in the field experience, and canvass support to respond suitably on behalf of the PwID, their families and carers but also for the services you work for. This survey is only for health and social professionals of non-medical background. If you are a medical professional/psychiatrist thank you for your interest but would be grateful if you do not attempt the survey. Another similar survey has looked into this group's feedback. Please contact the survey authors if you need more details on it's findings. Please follow the link to take part in the survey:  https://lnkd.in/gQp82msB Many thanks,  Vivi, Samuel Joseph Tromans and Professor Rohit Shankar MBE

How will that risky behaviour be managed then

I recently came across this article announcing the award of $131.7 million in behavioral health grants to the Department of Human Health and Services (HHS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). The awarded funds will be allocated towards a variety of programs, many of which will target youth services. The largest sum of which will be reserved for the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (System of Care SOC Expansion and Sustainability).   Grants such as this will help in enhancing health and wellness through increased access to behavioral health services and resources. Additionally, encouraging conversations to destigmatize the topic of behavioral health helps tremendously in mitigating the ongoing mental health crisis, specifically amongst children and young adults. It's important to stay up to date on this as we continue to battle major issues such as the opioid epidemic, which has placed a heavy burden on individuals and communities in recent years. With large grants from the government, increases in new behavioral health centers, and greater public advocacy and support, we can gravitate towards healthier outcomes- both physically and mentally.

This initiative is a significant stride towards bridging the gaps in our healthcare system, ensuring that those grappling with mental health challenges are not left in the shadows but are given the support they need to thrive. It represents a profound understanding that mental health is as crucial as physical health, and that those suffering deserve not just care, but compassion and comprehensive support. Arizona lawmakers are making a heartwarming move to improve the mental well-being of our community with the introduction of new bills focused on psychiatric care for the seriously mentally ill. The bills are needed because a typical state system should provide four levels of care for SMI patients and Arizona lacks two of the four levels, said Will Humble of the Arizona Public Health Association. We are moved by this news. We have always believed in the power of empathy and action in mental health advocacy. The introduction of these bills marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more inclusive and understanding society. It's a powerful reminder that with the right support and resources, individuals facing mental health challenges can lead fulfilling and enriching lives. We are inspired and galvanized by this legislative effort and remain committed to supporting and amplifying initiatives that champion mental health and well-being. https://lnkd.in/gmEztvyX

A very; enlightening and powerful discussion on mental health disparities, the power of data, and real-time solutions to address access and cost of services. More importantly, decreasing the stigma and allowing disparate populations to share their story to enable others to be their true selves at home, at work, and in their communities. https://lnkd.in/d3sBQkh8

As clinicians, educators and consultants, most of us are immersed at the individual level every day. But I think we can agree it has become impossible not to take note of recent (seismic!) shifts in the landscape of mental health and education. Things are moving so fast, this piece could probably could already use a refresh, but I hope it lends some insight into the changes affecting all of us. https://lnkd.in/gbExyMAx

This is an important topic to know more about. Without proper funding mental health providers are struggling to keep up with higher wages that Covid called for to get staffing needs met. The better wages aren't the issue. It's who is going to support the providers to get needed increases in funding? Mental health is as important as medical health, however, it lacks the lobbying power of the medical industry.

The impact of mental health on family planning (FP) is a complex issue that affects various aspects of reproductive health and family dynamics. Camber partnered with Breakthrough ACTION and Ethiopian mental health specialists on impactful new research which showed that a group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by community health workers to postpartum mothers significantly reduces depression and anxiety and supports women in fulfilling their reproductive intentions.   Future research should continue exploring the use of CBT to address social, normative, and behavioral barriers within maternal health services, of which postpartum FP is an essential component, and consider integrating and scaling mental health interventions digitally and/or within the FP and maternal, newborn, and child health primary care services offered within community health systems.   Read more about the study and intervention here: https://lnkd.in/gJExT2QM #FamilyPlanning #MentalHealth #CommunityHealthWorkers