Rural Mental Health Integration Initiative Grant will help bring more focused psychiatric healthcare to the Upper Susitna Valley

Poor mental health is a major public health issue, affecting millions of people in their pursuit to lead optimal emotional, social, and professional

lives. Mental health problems can worsen other medical conditions, often doubling over-all healthcare costs, and result in a staggering loss of productivity at work and in the home. In underserved rural areas in Alaska, a severe shortage of mental health providers compounds these problems.

Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC) is one of just 10 clinics in Alaska and Washington to be awarded a $245,000 grant, sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. This Rural Mental Health Integration Initiative Grant will help expand access to evidence- based mental health treatment for patients in the Upper Susitna Valley where mental health provider recruitment is very difficult.

When asked how these funds will impact her community specifically, Behavioral Health Manager, Sarah Blanning, replied “this additional funding will provide us with significant training and support in developing our Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management Program. Psychiatric Care Management focuses on most medication management being provided by the primary care providers with regular consultation from a psychiatric provider to answer questions and provide recommendations. We will be able to maximize the benefits of psychiatry by focusing their direct care to patients with more severe symptoms or diagnoses.”

SCHC was established in 1986 with two locations in Talkeetna and Willow, Alaska and provides medical, dental and behavioral health services. SCHC was one of the first health centers in Alaska with a physician authorized to prescribe FDA-approved medication for opioid disorders and continues to provide an exceptional level of care to individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders for their community members.