Rimrock Trails gets grant to boost outpatient behavioral health care access
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Rimrock Trails Treatment Services is honored to receive a $141,915 grant from the Central Oregon Health Council to fund the Bridging the Gap Pilot Project.
Rimrock Trails is partnering with Brightways Counseling Group, BestCare Outpatient Treatment Services, select primary care clinics, and the Central Oregon IPA on an 18-month pilot project to significantly increase outpatient behavioral health care access and capacity in Central Oregon.
Both access and affordability have been an increasing barrier to persons getting the treatment they need in the Central Oregon community. Only about 20% of individuals who are referred to treatment by their primary care provider are able to access services in Central Oregon. The barriers to accessing services include limited options, long wait lists, the cost of treatment and insufficient insurance coverage.
The grant funds awarded to Rimrock Trails will cover the project costs and the salary of a Behavioral Health Navigator. The Navigator will manage all referrals coming to the three behavioral health agencies from primary care practices.
“We so appreciate the grant funds provided by our valued partners at the Central Oregon Health Council. Having a single point of contact, the Navigator will ensure timely access to specialty behavioral health, high rates of engagement, and close coordination with primary care practices. Patients will no longer ‘fall through the cracks’ when referred from primary care to specialty behavioral health agencies.” – Katie Keck, Rimrock Trails Outpatient Clinical Director
In addition, to the Bridging the Gap Pilot Project grant, Rimrock Trails was awarded $5,000 from the Central Oregon Health Council’s COVID-19 Mini-Grant to support their Telehealth Counseling infrastructure. Telehealth Counseling is a practice recognized as a reputable form of counseling that can be provided in the safety and comfort of one’s own home or at a location most convenient to them.
The practice is instrumental in ensuring individuals can participate in counseling services and treatment programs are accessible to Central Oregon residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
“It is both a great honor and privilege to be able to assist our community partners in their endeavors to care for the health of the communities we serve.” – Macayla Arsenault, Central Oregon Health Council
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About the Central Oregon Health Council
The Central Oregon Health Council works to improve health care while both lowering the cost and raising patient and provider satisfaction. They do this for the nearly 50,000 Central Oregon residents who receive Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan benefits.
About Rimrock Trails Treatment Services
The mission of Rimrock Trails is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment services to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health problems. We create a foundation for healing, strengthen family connections, and offer hope for a brighter future.
For nearly three decades the administration, board of directors, and team of health care professionals at Rimrock Trails have been dedicated to helping create lasting change in the lives of individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health disorders in Central Oregon. Rimrock Trails is a 501c3 nonprofit, established in 1990 and has helped over 13,000 individuals and families in Central Oregon and beyond.
