Developing statewide measures for hospitals and local health departments to monitor interventions for promoting mental health and preventing substance abuse

In Fall 2012, the New York State Health Department of Health (NYSDOH) released the 2013-2017 New York State Prevention Agenda (NYSPA), the state’s health improvement plan. “Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse’ is among the five statewide priorities identified in the NYSPA.  Under the ACA, nonprofit hospitals are compelled by the IRS to conduct needs assessments and develop community action plans. In December, 2013, local health departments submitted statutorily-required community health improvement plans for at least two priorities and hospitals submitted their action plans based on guidance issued by NYSDOH.  

An extensive review of 152 hospital and 48 local health department reports identified “Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse” (PMH/PSA) as the second most common priority area by both LHDs and hospitals after “Prevent Chronic Disease.” In all, 47% of hospitals and 50% of LHDs selected PMH/PSA as their first or second priority.

The NYSDOH convened stakeholders (LHDs, hospital associations, community organizations, researchers) to review PMH/PSA findings from both LHDs’ and hospitals’ plans and to identify intermediate measures consistent with evidence-based or best practice interventions.

Findings from the reports and stakeholder feedback suggest:

1)  MHP/SAP represents a new collaborative topic area for both LHDs and hospitals to address;

2) A shared definition of PMH/PSA across settings is needed;

3) Local communities that identify “mental health promotion” and “strengthening infrastructure” need help with identifying measures and interventions; and

4) Opportunities exist for LHDs and hospitals to clarify roles related to behavioral health promotion, disorder prevention, and treatment and recovery.

Continued stakeholder involvement will provide guidance on measures related to PMH/PSA that can be shared with decision-makers in public health, mental health and substance abuse arenas.