Harlem Strong Mental Health Coalition: A Multi-sector Community-Engaged Collaborative for System Transformation

Graduate School Of Public Health And Health Policy, New York NY

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Improving access to mental health services requires an integrated, multisector, community-based approach. First, community-partnered networks are necessary to engage residents, strengthen safety-net systems, expand linkages to essential services, and promote mental health awareness. Second, task-sharing mental health support skills to non-mental health providers in gateway settings has shown promise globally but remains understudied in U.S. low-income housing developments. Third, a syndemic approach may enhance engagement in mental and physical health services, particularly for individuals facing multiple barriers to care. Guided by a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework, the Harlem Strong Collaborative—led by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, Harlem Health Initiative, Center for Innovation in Mental Health, and Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement, and Healthfirst (a managed care organization) will implement an enhanced model of community collaborative care to integrate mental health task-sharing through two strategic gateways: low-income housing developments and primary care practices. The study will evaluate the impact of the Harlem Strong Community Mental Health Collaborative—a community-wide, multisector model in which a health insurer collaborates with housing providers, community-based organizations, and medical and behavioral health providers to: (1) address financing, access, and quality barriers; (2) build capacity for mental health task-sharing by community health workers; (3) support coordination across health, housing, and social services; and (4) establish common metrics and strategies for continuous quality improvement. Using a Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness design, we will assess the model’s impact on system and consumer outcomes. Implementation outcomes and key informant interviews will explore the influence of community engagement, organizational context, and provider characteristics on the process of integrating mental health task-sharing in a coordinated network of services.