SOMOS Community Care launches Mental Health First Aid
Training Program
SOMOS Community Care, in response to the burgeoning mental health crisis in New York City and Mayor Adams’ acknowledgment of the societal challenges posed by social media on youth mental health, is taking a proactive approach.
They are implementing a groundbreaking Mental Health First Aid Training Program for their healthcare providers to address the urgent epidemic and mental health needs in underserved communities. As a vital healthcare network, SOMOS provides medical services to over one million Medicare and Medicaid patients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.
Leading the charge in this crucial initiative is Riquelmy Lamour, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of Behavioral Health at SOMOS. Lamour is spearheading the training for health workers, aiming to arm them with the skills necessary to become mental health first aid responders. The training focuses on providing health workers with the knowledge, certification, and tools needed to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. The goal is to empower these healthcare professionals to be the first line of support for individuals in need. SOMOS envisions mental health first aid becoming as commonplace as CPR, ensuring that everyone can receive timely help when required. This is particularly crucial in marginalized communities where individuals may be suffering from mental health issues that, when correctly identified, can be treated effectively.
At present, SOMOS providers are actively identifying early signs of depression and anxiety through screenings such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7. This proactive approach enables early intervention and referrals when necessary. The services are delivered through 700 SOMOS Community Care medical offices and clinics spread across the five boroughs. Licensed medical professionals offer confidential and free mental wellness screenings and treatment, all delivered with cultural competence and compassion. This is especially important given the stigmas surrounding mental health issues, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care.
The overarching goal of the Mental Health First Aid Training Program is to equip SOMOS health workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges effectively. By doing so, the program aims to ensure that individuals in need receive the support and care they deserve. This proactive stance aligns with SOMOS’ commitment to providing integrated social care and culturally competent medical services.
At the heart of New York’s healthcare landscape, SOMOS Community Care stands as a beacon of transformative and compassionate healthcare delivery. Distinguished as the sole provider-led, nonprofit, community-based integrated social care network in the state, SOMOS takes on the monumental responsibility of reaching and delivering care to over one million Medicaid lives across the expansive city.
SOMOS’s approach goes beyond the conventional boundaries of healthcare provision; it is a commitment to a holistic model that encompasses both the physical and mental well-being of its diverse community. With a robust network comprising over 2,600 providers, SOMOS ensures that comprehensive and culturally competent medical services are accessible to individuals from all walks of life.
The organization’s role as a pioneer in addressing the mental health crisis underscores its dedication to the overall health and welfare of its beneficiaries. In recognizing the profound impact of mental health on one’s well-being, SOMOS has incorporated initiatives that go beyond the traditional scope of medical care, emphasizing a compassionate and understanding approach.
As a provider-led network deeply embedded in the fabric of New York, SOMOS Community Care’s mission extends to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. Their commitment to integrated social care recognizes that individuals are not just patients; they are members of a broader community, each with unique needs and experiences.
For those seeking further information about SOMOS and the innovative healthcare solutions they offer, a visit to their website at www.somoscommunitycare.org provides a comprehensive resource. Here, individuals can delve into the organization’s values, mission, and the impactful ways in which SOMOS continues to shape and uplift the healthcare landscape in New York.
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