Funded Projects

Problem:

Maine ranked 21st for overall health of women and children in 2016 according to America's Health Rankings. The National Survey of Children's Health National Outcome Measure for the MCH Block Grant, 47.8% of children, ages 3 through 17, with a mental/behavioral condition needed treatment, but did not receive it. In addition, the state level prevalence of at least one mental health disorder for Maine was 27.2% according to a recent letter published by JAMA Pediatrics. Maine's children are not receiving the mental health services they need.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1: Increased timely detection, assessment, treatment and referral of children with behavioral health disorders in pediatric primary and specialty care settings. Goal 2: Improved access for children and adolescents to behavioral health providers, including rural and medically underserved areas. Goal 3: Sustained strategies and interventions that are effective in improving practice are put in place.

Methodology:

This project will establish two networks to provide training to pediatric primary care providers on the identification, diagnosis, treatment and referral of children with behavioral health conditions. In addition, teleconsultation services will provide consultation and support for behavioral health concerns to pediatric primary care providers through telephone, asynchronous e-consultation (secure email and record-sharing), and telehealth video conferencing. The telehealth structure will also be strengthened to provide timely and affordable access to treatment.

Coordination:

This project will be coordinated by Maryann Harakall, MPPM, Maternal and Child Health Director for the Maine CDC, DHHS.

Evaluation:

The project has a comprehensive evaluation plan that will be administered by Maine CDC. The evaluation work will be competitively bid during year one of the project.