Subject Matter Expert - Opinion Article
By Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director
     
Three Major Trends that Will Impact Behavioral Healthcare in Northeast Louisiana in 2016  
"In a time of budget uncertainty and possible Medicaid expansion, we will continue to seek innovative ways to serve our citizens who may need mental health, addictive disorder and developmental disabilities treatment and services."
The established Mission of NE Delta Human Services Authority (NE Delta HSA) is to serve as a catalyst for citizens with mental health issues, addictive disorders and developmental disabilities. The plight of our citizens is prevalent not only in northeast Louisiana, but throughout the state.
 
As we enter 2016, we are resolute to catalyze efforts for our citizens and help them to realize their full human potential. We urge our region's citizens, along with our partners and providers, to join us in solution-based dialogue and action. This work is especially pertinent during our state's transitional time.
 
Within the current healthcare industry transition, below are three specific trend areas in which we will be working to help our citizens thrive:
 
1. Possible Medicaid Expansion in Louisiana: Since the Bayou Health plans now cover behavioral health services as they have traditionally covered other medical services, the demand for behavioral healthcare will rise even more. We understand that organizational flexibility in healthcare delivery is needed to reduce the gaps this transition may bring. We are exploring methods to meet this demand and attract psychiatrists and other healthcare providers to our region. We expect to serve a larger number of citizens in 2016 than we did in 2015. In a time of budget uncertainty and possible Medicaid expansion, we will continue to seek creative ways to fill service gaps.

 

2. Need for More Holistic Integration: Studies show that integrating mental health care, addictive disorder treatment, and prevention education with primary healthcare produces more positive outcomes for people with multiple healthcare needs. NE Delta HSA has put Memorandums of Understanding in place with many primary care providers, hospitals and rural health clinics.

 
The goal is to ensure that no matter where a person enters the healthcare system, there's a place to access the care and treatment they need. This is especially critical in rural sections of our region where barriers exist, such as a lack of transportation and a shortage of providers. In 2016, we hope to deepen these relationships we've established.
 
On the developmental disabilities front, we have implemented additional training for home healthcare workers who serve our citizens. We hope this training will result in a better-trained and more stable developmental disabilities workforce that's truly equipped to meet our clients' needs. We're also exploring additional ways to find employment opportunities for our citizens with developmental disabilities so they may maximize the benefits of community engagement.
 
Internally, our integration of disparate mental health, addictive disorder and developmental disabilities services has successfully created a unified agency from which our population can now be more effectively served.
 

3. Mental Healthcare and Criminal Justice: NE Delta HSA has catalyzed innovative dialogue and action in this arena by conducting three sessions that addressed mental healthcare for people in crisis in concert with law enforcement, coroners and hospital administrators. In addition, we fund specialized training that helps provide law enforcement with the most effective and appropriate response to citizens with a mental illness. We have also begun a program to ensure that criminal justice offenders have access to consistent behavioral health care treatment upon their release. Additionally, we will continue to advocate for solutions that affect our citizens' care and safety, including much-needed long-term supportive housing and in-patient psychiatric facilities.

 
NE Delta HSA has already made progress in key 2015 initiatives that address these critical industry trends: We conducted a summit that offered solutions to improve rural health care delivery; we continue to improve upon our consistent and evidence-based prevention efforts; and we have an agreement in place that provides mobile behavioral health care access for veterans. On multiple occasions in 2015, we brought together regional mental healthcare and clergy leaders to support a culture where citizens can express their struggles and find acceptance, treatment and recovery. We continue to enhance our internal operations and make data-driven decisions to further improve outcomes.
 
NE Delta HSA strongly supports mental health wellness and will continue to work tirelessly within these emerging healthcare trends to ensure our citizens have the ability for improved health outcomes and a prosperous, healthy life. We will continue to work to fulfill our Mission and provide our citizens with greater access to services, excellent customer service, and quality, competent care.
   
"According to the World Health Organization, mental health and well-being are fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life. NE Delta HSA takes seriously its role to significantly improve mental health wellness in our region."
 
-Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, NE Delta HSA Executive Director
 
 
 
Contact:
Jill Hirsekorn
Northeast Delta HSA Public Information Director
2513 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 71201
Phone 318-362-5482