New Ideas to Address Mental Health Care and Substance Use Disorders

As a national organization, NCCHC is always on the lookout for programs that exhibit a commitment to best practices and innovation to improve the delivery of health care services and patient outcomes. Here is one such program. Under the leadership of Sheriff Christina Corpus, San Mateo County correctional facilities implemented new programs to address shortcomings with mental health care and co-occurring substance use disorders. In dedicating housing units and resources to both mental health and substance use treatment, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office was recently recognized by the San Mateo County Executive’s Office for their efforts in treatment and harm reduction. The article below outlines their challenges and the efforts made to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes within their correctional facilities and the community. While these challenges are common across the country, the agency’s proactive approach to providing advanced care to reduce adverse outcomes is exemplary.

By: Richard Forbus, CCHP, Vice President of Program Development

Photo credit: San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office